Issue – March 2015

Why we love
mistakes
Energized Engaged Empowered
Because at ISHCMC we
understand that mistakes are
stepping stones to
genuine learning.
Today’s students need to do more
than memorize information in
traditional classrooms. They need a
more evolved approach to education
that allows them the freedom to
pursue their passions fearlessly. In
addition to a strong academic
foundation, they need opportunities
to be creative, innovative and
analytical, all of which lie at the heart
of the ISHCMC philosophy.
Come and see
the difference we can make
in your child’s life.
A fully accredited IB World School,
authorized to teach all 3 programs
of the International Baccalaureate
curriculum to students
ages 2 – 18 years.
28 Vo Truong Toan, District 2
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 (8) 3898-9100
Email: admissions@ishcmc.edu.vn
www.ishcmc.com
2
Nathan, Grade 1
ISHCMC student since 2009.
Member of Columbia Asia Group with 28 hospitals operating within Asia.
Jeremy Daniel Ostrander, M.D.
U.S. Board Certified
American Board of Family Practice
Columbia Asia Gia Dinh International Hospital
1 No Trang Long, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84-8-3803 0678 Fax: +84-8-3803 0677
Email: reservationgd@columbiaasia.com
Columbia Asia Sai Gon International Clinic
8 Alexandre De Rhodes, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84-8-323 8888 Fax: +84-8-3823 8454
Email: reception.sg@columbiaasia.com
3
Everywhere you go
Director
Managing Director
Xuan Tran
Jimmy van der Kloet
jimmy@oivietnam.com
Managing Editor
Christine Van
christine@oivietnam.com
Deputy Editor
James Pham
jpham@oivietnam.com
Associate Publisher
khanh nguyen
khanh@oivietnam.com
Graphic Artists
This Month’s Cover
Image: Neil Featherstone
Model: Rachel Cabakoff
Hair & Make-up: Tieu Tinh
Location & Dessert: Villa Royale
Dress: Thuy Design House
Kevin NGUYEN
kevin@oivietnam.com
NGUYEN Pham
nguyen@oivietnam.com
Staff Photographer
ngoc tran
ngoc@oivietnam.com
For advertising please contact:
NGAN NGUYEN
ngan@oivietnam.com
090 279 7951
chau nguyen
chau@oivietnam.com
091 440 0302
hanh (jessie) le
jessie@oivietnam.com
098 747 4183
La tieu phuong (heidi)
heidi@oivietnam.com
094 455 6677
Phuong Tran
phuong@oivietnam.com
091 869 3680
HANNIE VO
hannie@oivietnam.com
ƠI VIỆT NAM
NHÀ XUẤT BẢN THANH NIÊN
Chịu trách nhiệm xuất bản:
Nguyễn Trưởng
Biên tập: Nguyễn Giang - Quang Hùng
Thực hiện liên kết xuất bản:
Metro Advertising Co.,Ltd
48 Hoàng Diệu, Phường 12, Quận 4
In lần thứ hai mươi bốn, số lượng 6000 cuốn,
khổ 21cm x 29,7cm
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General
Inquiries
4
advertising@oivietnam.com
Chế bản và in tại nhà in Phụ Nữ
Nộp lưu chiểu tháng 4/2014
info@oivietnam.com
Website: www.oivietnam.com
5
Contents
52
COVER STORY
The Sweetest Things
Satisfy your sweet tooth with our picks of
delectable delights
image by ngoc Tran
39
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Oi visits The Log to sample buffet dining and then heads
to Red Door where science meets food to create innovative
Vietnamese dishes
FEATURES
COLUMNS
p8 datebook
P32 JUST MARRIED
P19 LEGAL EASE
With these events, you'll never have to be
bored again
A defining wedding ceremony takes place
openly in Vietnam
Singling out double taxation
P12 THE BULLETIN
P71 THE LONG FORTRESS
Checking out the latest promotions and
openings
The grandeur of the Great Wall of China is as
iconic as it is unforgettable
P53 Cheers!
P20 TROI OI
P75 CHASING WATERFALLs
Get to know Chateau Mouton Rothschild,
one of the world’s luxury wineries
Find out why three tons of cats, fake
divorces and marijuana made it into our
list this month
A 3,000-kilometer motorbike trip ends in a
splash in central Vietnam
P76 Life’s a Trip
P22 PAPER TRAIL
An indie bookshop catering to bibliophiles
P24 CASTING CALL
An interview with Linh-Dan Pham, actress
from the film Indochine
6
P78 Bolivia
The landlocked country located in westerncentral South America in pictures
P31 Opposites Attract
Mixing and matching to make it work
Making a success out of long-term travel
P82 Where Art Thou?
A city is only as dynamic as its art scene
P90 Higher Learning
Get hooked on phonics
image by nEIL FEATHERSTONE
WINE & DINE
7
Datebook
What's on this month...
MARCH 11-14
What: Ariel Dorfman's Death
and the Maiden
Where: 11 & 12 at Boomarang
(Crescent 2, 107 Ton Dat Tien, D7);
13 & 14 at La Habana (6 Cao Ba
Quat, D1); 7pm; VND200,000
About: The play is a moral thriller
about a woman, Paulina, who
believes that a stranger who comes
to her home is the doctor who,
under a military dictatorship,
tortured and raped her many years
before. The title of the play is taken
from a piece of music by Franz
Schubert; Paulina loved the piece
but grew to revile it when it was
played repeatedly during her torture
sessions. Dorfman began writing the
play in the mid-1980s when he was
in exile from Chile. It was not until
Chile’s return to democracy in 1990
that Dorfman returned to the play
and “understood how the story had
to be told.”
Contact: Email
saigonplayerstickets@gmail.com
for more info
MAR 14
What: Open Day at AIS
Where: Australian International School; 9am - noon
About: The open day will provide parents and their children with the opportunity to visit and tour AIS’s
three campuses: Xi, Thao Dien and Thu Thiem. Visitors will be able to participate in interactive classroombased activities with teachers, go on a tour with AIS student guides and enjoy musical school performances
of Alice in Wonderland. The open day aims to give prospective students and parents a greater understanding
of AIS, its commitment to academic excellence and how its learning environment supports the individual
development of every child.
Contact: For more info visit www.aisvietnam.com/openday or call 3742 4040
MAR 20
MAR 14
What: Solve the Murder of Dr. Black
Where: Wine Embassy (13 Ngo Duc Ke, D1); 7pm-11pm;
VND700,000
About: Based on the famous British board game Cluedo, each
team of five assumes the role of one investigator and attempts to deduce who
killed the victim by moving strategically around a game board representing the
rooms of a mansion and collecting clues about the circumstances of the murder.
Actors playing the role of police officers will support each team during this highly
competitive and funny activity. Finger food and one glass of wine are included in
the price.
Contact: Visit www.ubi-quest.com for more info
8
What: Marco Effe
Where: The Observatory (5 Nguyen Tat Thanh, D4)
About: Local electronic music outfit Heart Beat hosts its first
event at The Observatory with world-renowned minimal
techno figure Marco Effe. Born and raised in Livorno in 1985,
he is considered one of the most promising Italian talents.
Marco has played at top ranking events and clubs in Europe,
such as the Watergate Berlin, Time Warp Italy, Cocoon Club
Frankfurt, Studio 80 Amsterdam, Sankeys Manchester, Harry
Klein Munich, and many more.
Contact: Visit www.theobservatory-hcmc.com for more details
9
MARCH 22
What: Family Fun Day
Where: Saigon Star International School
(Residential Area No. 5, Thanh My Loi Ward,
D2); 11am – 4pm; free
About: Family Fun Days are a great excuse to
get the kids out of the house and have some fun
in the open air. Saigon Star International School
is one of the greenest and most open schools
in the city, yet less than 15 minutes from Thao
Dien in District 2, 20 minutes from Saigon Pearl
in District 1 and 25 minutes from Phu My Hung
in District 7. Expect bouncy castles, water balls,
horse rides, arts & crafts, face painting, carnival
games, all the kids’ favorite food treats plus the
infamous dunking tank. Free transport (by prior
arrangement) will be available from Thao Dien,
Saigon Pearl and PMH.
Contact: Call 3742 7827 to make arrangements
or visit www.saigonstarschool.edu.vn for more
info
UNTIL MARCH 28
What: The Leavers
Where: Galerie Quynh (Level 2, 151/3 Dong Khoi, D1)
About: The Leavers is an exhibition of new work by Brooklyn-based artist Trong Gia Nguyen. For
his second solo exhibition at the gallery, Nguyen will exhibit a series of paintings informed by the
artist’s ongoing film project, DONG, an exploration of family history through the imperfect lens of
memory. The colorful and playful paintings belie a deep reflection on history, culture, and the psyche
of those uprooted and transplanted to foreign lands. Sourced from old family photographs, the
paintings depict coloring book images that have been filled in but with the black outlines removed,
suggesting the skewed ways in which we remember, shape, and colorize the past. Nguyen asks of the
viewer to mentally redraw the missing lines, to give definition to this fuzz. Employing oil pastels, a
medium that never fully dries, Nguyen reiterates how memory is organic and ever shifting.
Contact: Visit www.galeriequynh.com for more info
MARCH 25
What: AmCham Palooza Party
Where: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon (815 Ton Duc Thang, D1); 6pm-8:30pm
About: The monthly palooza party is a platform
to develop new friendships, networking
opportunities and information exchange. The
AmCham Palooza is a popular group that
holds networking events and happy hours
regularly to increase communication amongst
membership and expats.
Contact: Visit www.amchamvietnam.com for
more info
MAR 28
What: Einzelkind
Where: The Observatory (5 Nguyen Tat
Thanh, D4)
About: Einzelkind are Miguel Ayala and
Arno Völker, two guys from Frankfurt that
love and live house and techno music. They
have released several records on labels like
Playhouse, Cocoon, Oslo and Get Physical
Music. In 2008 Einzelkind founded La Peña
- La Peña stands for quality underground
music without big marketing, that is the
reason why you won‘t find any names on
the actual vinyl releases. It is just about
music not about names. Their vision is to
treat each record as a presentation itself,
complete with original and individual
artwork, features and exhibitions. Each
production will feature artwork shown in
a cube of about eight cubic meters. Every
record release will be strictly limited
to 500 copies, which includes a poster
referring to a piece made by the artist.
Contact: Visit www.theobservatory-hcmc.
com for more details
APRIL 5
84 Ho Tung Mau st, Ben Nghe ward, D1, HCMC
(08) 3914 4402
www.labettolasaigon.com
info@labettolasaigon.com
Find us on Facebook and TripAdvisor:
10
What: Dragon Dash
Where: Phu My Hung, D7; VND400,000
About: The five-km competition will have obstacles such as a sand trap,
a vertical cargo net, a rope wall escape and heavy carry. Completion of all
obstacles or penalties is mandatory in order to qualify for podium positions
and prizes. There will be two competitive waves with each consisting of
250 participants who will strive for prizes including three fastest men, three
fastest women and three fastest teams. The first place finishers from each
category will then receive a formal invitation to compete in the grand finale
of the Dragon Dash championships.
Contact: For more info visit www.darevietnam.com or www.facebook.com/
thedragondashvn.
UNTIL
JUN 29
LASER DERMATOLOGY CLINIC
We specialize in:
þ
Aesthetic Dermatology (Acne, Wrinkles, Hypertrophic and Keloid
scars, Botox and Restylane injections)
þ
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Rejuvenation, Spider Veins, Hair Removal…)
What: Sole Imprint of a Wood-Flux
Where: Phuong My Flagship Store (81 Le Thanh Ton, D1); 9am-9pm
About: Wood-flux is a concept that refers to a Japanese genre of woodblock
prints on silk and paper called Ukiyo-e, meaning “pictures of the floating
world.” Inspired by the caliber of Ukiyo-e woodblock and the textile pattern
of Phuong My’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection, artist Nguyen Huu Tram
Kha showcases various fascinations of a wood-flux. Ukiyo-e art prospered
from the 17th to the 19th century in Edo (today’s Tokyo), thanks to its
patronage by the merchant class, which gained them higher recognition in
Japan’s then social hierarchy against the elitist military dictatorship. Instead
of realistic depiction, Ukiyo-e prints of natural scenes, such as seascape and
flora, were imaginative visions about the world.
Contact: Visit www.san-art.org for more info
þ
General Dermatology (Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea, Skin infections…)
þ
Skin Cancer Evaluation, Treatment and Removal
þ
Hair and Nail Disorders
þ
Laser treatment (Toe Nail Fungal Infection, Warts…)
þ
STD screening and treatment
þ
Hepatitis B, C, and HIV treatment
TRUST YOUR SKIN TO A DERMATOLOGIST !
SPECIAL OFFER: discount 15% for Skin Rejuvenation Services (Botox,
Dysport, Restylane and Juvéderm) from 19/1/2015 to 17/2/2015
Add: 99 Suong Nguyet Anh, District 1, HCMC - ( 08.3925.1990
Website: www.stamfordskin.com - Email: info@stamfordskin.com
&
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Hotline: 0918 802 526
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T: (84-8) 3822 6111 Ext.101
F: (84-8) 3824 1835
E: sales@norfolkmansion.com.vn
W: www.norfolkmansion.com.vn
Managed by Norfolk Group
11
The Bulletin
Promotions and news in HCMC and beyond...
12
Est.2006
Sunday 22nd March
New Looks at Caravelle
Caravelle (www.caravellehotel.com) pulled back
the curtain on a fully refreshed Café de l’Opera
and an all-new champagne bar. Both venues are
positioned on the ground floor, where the hotel
has presided over a prominent corner of Lam
Son Square since 1955.
Formerly the Lobby Lounge, Café de l’Opera
boasts an unrivalled perspective on the Saigon
Opera House and historic Dong Khoi Street. The
café has been redesigned and expanded to allow
even better views of the city center. Among the
highlights at Café de l’Opera are the nightly live
music, 5pm - 10pm, from their resident duo Sitti
and Jason, Tuesday to Saturday and an open
kitchen serving tapas.
Nearby, Champagne Corner is tucked
into a stylish nook in the hotel’s arcade.
Through partnerships with the world’s leading
Champagne houses, Caravelle’s Champagne
Corner offers patrons the finest French bubbly,
paired with a selection of small bites, oysters,
truffles and caviar. Connoisseurs can look for
vintages from Dom Perignon, as well as timehonored labels from Veuve Clicquot and
Moët & Chandon.
5th Annual Family Fun Day
Open 11am to 4pm
Dim Tu Tac Opens
Recently opened at its location overlooking the Saigon Harbor, Dim
Tu Tac (5 Nguyen Tat Thanh, D4) serves Hong Kong and Shanghai
style dim sum along with an a la carte menu of specialty dishes from
the two cities – all under the supervision of Hong Kong chef Leung
Kwong, who has more than 40 years of experience in the culinary
industry.
On the dim sum list are soufflé egg white ball with mashed red
beans, spare rib congee, steamed rice rolls with shrimp, minced pork
dumpling with spicy sauce, pan-fried minced pork bun, deep fried
radish pastry, and many more. The a la carte menu offers dishes such
as fried rice with shrimp in XO sauce, steamed frog with ginger chili,
braised vegetable with golden mushrooms, and fried e-fu noodle with
eggplant and minced pork. Complement the food with Hong Kong’s
famous milk tea.
FREE ENTRY
Residential Area No.5, Thanh My Loi,
District 2, HCMC (2 mins. from AIS)
Tel.No.: (08) 3742 3222
www.saigonstarschool.edu.vn
TRANSPORT AVAILABLE
13
Elsol Café Opens
Hidden away in a historic Saigon
building is a new cafe dining
experience for expats and Vietnamese
alike. Elsol Cafe (Second Floor, 4
Nguyen Sieu, D1; Facebook: elsolcafe)
is the creation of a Japanese living
in Vietnam who loves old buildings,
art, music and food – and sought
to combine all into one alluring
destination. A visit to the café is like
a visit into a private home, with all
the seclusion, ambiance, art, calm and
architecture to make you feel like a
welcomed guest.
The menu features a unique mix of
tastes from around the world. In the
mornings, the specialty is Italian style
coffee. Lunch sets feature popular
Japanese fare and vegetarian salads. In
the evening you can choose between
Italian, French, Spanish, Japanese and
Vietnamese favorites, accompanied by
imaginative cocktails, wine or beer.
Coffee is always center stage at Elsol
Cafe, where almost every gourmand’s
taste is catered to - only the best of
Vietnamese organic coffee beans are
used, custom roasted and ground
before brewed in Syphon, Aeropress,
Hario V60, Cold Brewed or Nel
Drip techniques, or if you prefer, in
traditional, handmade Japanese style.
Fresh smoothies are prepared using
fruits and vegetables from specialist,
quality produce suppliers and
without sugar.
Eden Café Opens
Eden Coffee House (R3-85 Khu Pho Hung Phuoc 1, D7; www.
edenservices.vn) is the latest restaurant and café to join the Phu My
Hung community. The café offers illy brand coffee along with an
eclectic menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner; however it’s the sweet
or savory crepe options that add something different to the usual
neighborhood fare. There are a range of gluten sensitive and vegetarian
options available as well. Situated a little bit away from the main street,
Eden Coffee House offers a peaceful garden vibe early in the morning
or late in the evening.
14
An International School
for students aged 18 months - 11 years
Why parents choose ISSP
Highly Qualified American Teachers
Over 90% of our teachers have Masters
Degrees in their specialist subjects.
World-Class Facilities
Including a library with over 10,000 English
books, state-of-the-art ICT lab, smartboards
and iPads .
Rigorous American Curriculum with
Outstanding Academic Results
Last year our students achieved an average
growth of over two grade levels.
The
Right Track
to University
University Preparation From Early Years to
Graduation
Seamless transition into the prestigious
ISHCMC - American Academy which has
a 100% acceptance rate for students who
apply to overseas universities.
Part of a Global School Network
We are owned by the largest international
schools’ group in the world - Cognita, which
includes ISHCMC and ISHCMC American
Academy.
International School Saigon Pearl
92 Nguyen Huu Canh, Street 22,Binh Thanh,
Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (84-8) 2222 7788/99
Email: admissions@issp.edu.vn
www.issp.edu.vn
15
Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon
Promotions
Celebrate the woman in you this month with special
menus at the hotel’s restaurants. From March 2 – 6,
30 percent off on food for all ladies dining in, and
from March 7 - 8, 50 percent off on food for all ladies
dining in. Escape the chaos of the city and enjoy a
BBQ buffet poolside with Renaissance’s (8-15 Ton
Duc Thang, D1) panoramic view across the river,
every Friday and Saturday (6pm – 10pm) priced at
VND590,000++/person (free flow of draught beer for
two hours). Available from now until March 31.
Guests can enjoy a 50 percent discount on selected
drinks during Happy Hours (5:30pm -7:30pm daily)
at Atrium Lounge, Lobby Lounge and Pool Bar from
now until March 31.
InterContinenal Asiana Saigon Promotions
March 7
Champagne on the Lawn – Picnic Brunch: This alfresco brunch is set on the
lush green lawn overlooking the outdoor swimming pool and city center.
As you enter, you are handed a picnic hamper filled with treats, then enjoy
the live cooking stations. A selection of games will be provided including
Petanque and badminton for a memorable and stylish weekend with your
friends and family. VND1,750,000++ per person including free flow of
Veuve Clicquot champagne, wine, beer, cocktail and soft drink.
March 8
Market 39: What better way to show the women around you that you care
than a surprise celebration on this Women’s Day. At Market 39, their chefs
have prepared a wide selection of international delicacies, lobster, seafood
and a variety of desserts in a buffet set up. Women’s Day Brunch is priced
at VND1,498,000 VND++ per person including free flow of Veuve Clicquot
Champagne, wine, beer, cocktail and soft drink. Women’s Day Dinner is
priced at VND1,199,000++ per person including free flow of wine, cocktail,
beer and soft drink.
For more info and reservations, call 3520 9099.
When call to reserve table,
customer will receive one drink for each person
JAPANESE HAMBURG STEAK RESTAURANT
GYUMARU
ハンバーグ専門店「ぎゅう丸」
TRY OUR NEW APPETIZER MENU
8/3 Le Thanh Ton, D.1, HCMC
gyumaru.LTT@gmail.com
Tue - Fri:
11:30 am - 3:00 pm
5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Sat - Sun: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
16
Maison Mikio Promotion
Maison Mikio Boutique Salon (8 Ton Dat Tien Street in the Garden
Plaza 2 Complex, Phu My Hung) is offering 20 percent off on scalp
clinics and Milbon hair treatments. The salon and spa offers clients a
spacious yet intimate setting for salon and beauty services such as hair
styling, coloring, manicures, pedicures, skincare and waxing. Call 5412
4773 or visit Facebook: maisonmikio for more info.
International Women’s Day at
New World Saigon
March 8
Parkview: Enjoy a ladies’ lunch or dinner at
50 percent off regular prices. Round up your
favorite ladies for a buffet filled with fresh
seafood like lobster, tiger prawns, oysters,
sushi and sashimi, along with house cured
beef, delicious desserts, and much more. All
ladies in attendance will be welcomed with
flowers. Lunch is VND610,000 per person,
dinner is VND910,000 per person.
Dynasty: The chefs at Dynasty will be
cooking up a trio of delicious and healthy
Dragon Garoupa dishes: garoupa head soup
with bean curd and vegetables followed
by wok-fried or steamed garoupa filet
with homemade XO sauce and finishing
with garoupa tail braised with mushrooms
in brown sauce. All ladies in attendance
will be welcomed with flowers and
complimentary Bird’s Nest Soup when
ordering the three-course Dragon Garoupa.
Priced at VND1,500,000 per set including a
complimentary seasonal vegetable dish to
accompany the meal. For more info, call 3822
8888 or visit www.saigon.newworldhotels.com.
A Malaysian national with Chinese origin,
Hew Wai Seng joins the hotel as their new
executive sous chef at Dynasty. With more
than 15 years of experience specializing
in modern Chinese, traditional Cantonese,
Teochew and Hakka cuisines, he won the
gold medal for individual appetizer at The
World Golden Chef Competition in 2005 and
the silver medal for individual appetizer at the
Melbourne City Chef Competition in 2010.
Hotel Equatorial Promotions
Let the man cook dinner for his lady on Women’s Day (March 8). With
three stations spread in each restaurant, the hotel will provide a chef
hat, apron and recipe to follow, and choose either Chit Chat Café or
Orientica seafood restaurant for the interactive cooking class.
For Earth Hour, the hotel will light just candles from 8:30pm to 9:30pm
on March 28 – an opportunity for couples to bask in the romantic
candlelit atmosphere of Chit Chat or Orientica restaurant. Dinner is
priced at VND678,000++/person.
To celebrate their new menu, they are hosting an all-you-can-eat dim
sum at Orientica. If you collect 10 lunch stamps you will receive a free
lunch. Saturday and Sunday is VND338,000 ++/person; a la carte dim
sum menu priced from VND48,000++/dish (Monday to Friday lunch).
On St Patrick’s Day, the hotel’s Funky Heaven band will perform live
music to accompany special Irish beverages at Flo Lounge. Visit www.
hochiminhcity.equatorial.com for more info.
17
Saigon – Phan Thiet Seaplane Promotion
Spa Promotion
Throughout 2015 you can experience luxury pampering for
VND1,100,000 at Havana Spa, located at Best Western Premier
Havana Nha Trang Hotel (38 Tran Phu, Nha Trang; spa-manager@
havanahotel.vn; www.havanahotel.vn).
18
In celebration of the new Saigon – Phan Thiet seaplane route, Hai
Au Aviation is collaborating with Victoria Phan Thiet Resort & Spa
to provide all-inclusive deluxe fly-and-stay packages. The flagship
product, a three-day Beachside Getaway Package, eliminates the usual
six-hour drive from HCMC to Phan Thiet. Passengers will take to the
skies by seaplane to enjoy breathtaking views from along the beautiful
coastline. The flight is completed by landing directly onto the water.
Upon arrival at the resort, guests can enjoy unlimited spa treatments
and a candlelight dinner for two. The whole experience is priced from
VND11 million per person until 30 June 2015. For enquires call 096
206 9689 or email rsvn.hcm@haiauaviation.com.
L E G AL E AS E
legal Column
Pitfall
Understanding the double-talk
on double taxation
A member of the Paris Bar, Hadrien Wolff has been practicing law in
Vietnam for more than seven years, currently as a partner of Audier
& Partners based at its HCMC office. Having gained extensive legal
experience in the Netherlands and Cambodia, Marijn Sprokkereef is
an associate at the Hanoi office of the same firm. Audier & Partners
is an international law firm with presence in Vietnam, Myanmar and
Mongolia, providing advice to foreign investors on a broad range of
legal issues.
Dear Hadrien and Marijn,
I am an Australian married to a Vietnamese woman. We both live in Thailand where
we met each other and where we have worked for separate companies over
the last four years. My wife is a ‘resident’ here, which means she has a work
permit and pays taxes here. She originally came to Thailand for a fixed term work
assignment, but her status has now changed to being effectively employed on “local
terms” for an indefinite duration. Does the fact that she has chosen not to deregister from the Vietnamese “family book” change anything with her tax status?
Also, I have just received an offer to work on a project in Vietnam for nine months
starting from May 2015. Will I need to start paying income tax in Vietnam if I decide
to take the job?
Your questions are related to the
Vietnamese Law on Personal Income Tax
of 2007 (the “Law on PIT”), which was
most recently amended in November 2014.
The scope of the Law on PIT covers two
categories of taxpaying individuals.
First of all, it covers “resident”
individuals with taxable income either
within or outside the territory of Vietnam.
The term “resident” means individuals
who are present in Vietnam for a period
of at least 183 days calculated within a
calendar year or within 12 consecutive
months from the date of entry into
Vietnam, as well as individuals who have a
regular place of residence in Vietnam. This
category therefore includes, among others,
foreigners who are working in Vietnam.
The second category of individuals
falling within the scope of the Law on PIT
includes “non-resident” individuals with
taxable income arising within the territory
of Vietnam. Among others, this category
includes foreigners who are not physically
present in Vietnam, but who have taxable
income in Vietnam nonetheless.
Assuming that her only source of
income originates in Thailand, your wife
will most probably not fall within the
scope of the Vietnamese Law on PIT. She
may have to prove her Thai residency,
however, which she could do by providing
the tax authorities with a residence
certificate.
The fact that she did not de-register
from the Vietnamese “family book” should
not make her a Vietnamese resident for
income tax purposes. Instead, the question
whether or not she will have to pay
income tax in Vietnam will only depend
on whether or not she has taxable income
arising in Vietnam.
For your personal situation, on the
other hand, taking the job will most likely
mean that you will fall within the scope
of the Law on PIT and that you will be
considered as an individual taxpayer in
Vietnam.
As is often the case in situations
involving a foreign element, a person may
actually qualify as an individual taxpayer
in more than one country at the same
time. In order to avoid such individuals
having to pay double personal income
tax, to prevent tax evasion and in order
to facilitate and promote overseas trade,
investment and employment, countries
often enter into so-called “double taxation
avoidance agreements” (or DTAAs).
The Law on PIT makes it clear that
in case of conflict, the provisions of
international tax treaties will prevail over
any of its own provisions. To date, Vietnam
has entered into DTAAs with more than 60
countries, including with many Western
countries, but also with Thailand in 1992.
Similar to many other DTAAs around
the world, the tax treaty between Vietnam
and Thailand provides that where a
“resident” of the one country derives
income which may also be taxed in the
other country, the first mentioned country
shall allow as a deduction from the payable
income tax an amount equal to the tax paid
in the other country.
In the complicated world of taxation, we
hope the above will help you understand
your situation a little better!
Every month, Hadrien and Marijn
answer legal questions from Oi readers.
If you have any legal question you
want answered, send them to
legal@oivietnam.com
19
Troi Oi
The country in numbers
5,800
fake seals seized in Binh Duong Province. Four people have
been detained on charges of forging seals and/or documents
of agencies and/or organizations pursuant to Article 267 of
the Penal Code, the police stated. The group provided fake
graduation certificates from universities, colleges and vocational
schools; certificates of languages and information technology;
driver’s licenses for fees ranging from VND200,000 to
VND1 million. The board of directors of the provincial police
department has given a cash reward of VND30 million to police
officers who took part in the bust.
3
20
1
ton of marijuana plants were found in
Ca Mau. The alleged culprit Canh told
police officers that he had hired the
land from another farmer for bean and
vegetable cultivation. The district police are
conducting further investigations and it is
still unclear who grew the illegal plants.
Under Article 192 of Vietnam’s Penal Code:
“Those who grow opium poppy, coca
shrubs, marijuana or other plants which
bear narcotic substance, have already been
educated more than once, have already
been given conditions to stabilize their lives and have
already been administratively sanctioned for such acts
but still commit them, shall be sentenced to between six
months and three years of imprisonment. As for those
who commit the crime in an organized manner or are
repeat offenders, they will be sentenced to between
three and seven years of imprisonment and subjected
to a fine of VND1 million and VND50 million.”
tons of live cats destined for consumption have been seized and destroyed in Hanoi after being smuggled from
China. Cat meat, known locally as “little tiger”, is an increasingly popular delicacy in Vietnam and, although officially
banned, is widely available in specialist restaurants. The truck driver told police he had purchased the cats in
northeastern Quang Ninh Province, which borders China, and that they had all been sourced from neighboring
countries. Vietnam has long banned the consumption of cat meat in an effort to encourage their ownership and keep
the country’s rat population under control.
USD35
million USD937
air traffic control center opens in Hanoi. The Vietnam Air
Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) opened the Hanoi
Air Traffic Control Center (Hanoi ATCC) after nearly three
years of construction. The center is located on Nguyen Son
Street in Long Bien District. The new facility, which replaces
the current Hanoi ATCC, has 39 workstations and eight
terminal points, which are capable of handling 1,000 planes
at a time and 20,000 flight plans with a range of 3,792 km,
said Hoang Thanh, chairman of the Board of Members of the
VATM. The new Hanoi ATCC is equipped with an automated air
management system, among the most advanced of its kind in
Southeast Asia. The center will ensure safety for civil flights in
particular and airline activities in general, including low-range
flights in the Hanoi flight information region (FIR), according
to news website Dan Tri. It also serves as a standby facility to
replace the Ho Chi Minh Area Control Center (ACC) to take over
the air traffic operation in Vietnam’s FIR whenever an unusual
incident occurs.
penalty will be enforced on those caught committing
a fake divorce. According to the government anyone
“carrying out a divorce for purposes other than the
purpose of ending a marriage is considered an act
of fake divorce and shall be given an administrative
penalty.” In addition, filing a divorce to evade
property-related obligations, to do things that violate
population-related laws or policies, or to achieve
purposes that are not aimed at ending a marriage
will be subject to a fine ranging from VND10 million
to VND20 million. Also under the draft decree, those
who live together as husband and wife with relatives
that have a direct blood line but their cohabitation is
not serious enough to be held criminally responsible
will also be fined at the same rate. The draft
legislation also sets a fine ranging from VND1 million
to VND3 million for acts of adultery or marriage
between foster parents and their adopted children.
26,000
residents in the Old Quarter of Hanoi will be relocated to a new residential area in
Long Bien District in 2017. City authorities have said that the move aims to reduce
the neighborhood’s population density which is nearly eight times that of New York
City’s. In order to bring the density down to 500 people per square hectare from
the current 823, last December the city approved plans to build 16 eight to ninestory apartment buildings in the Viet Hung Urban Area at a price of VND5 trillion.
The facilities will include kindergartens, primary schools, health clinics and other public works, according to The Hanoi Times.
21
feature
Paper Trail
Two bookworms open an independent store
specializing in English language books
Text by NPD Khanh Images by Ngoc Tran
BOA Bookstore is a bibliophile’s hidden
treasure trove, with the hidden part being
almost literal. The address is number 6 Turtle
Roundabout (Room C26, 2nd Floor, 42 Tran
Cao Van or 6 Cong Truong Quoc Te, D1),
though to reach the bookstore proper, you
have to climb up two flights of stairs and
navigate a short stretch of sooty hallways
in an old apartment building. The room is
number C26. The door is closed most of the
time. Do not feel shy. Push that closed door
open and inside you will find an apartment
room stocked from floor to ceiling with
books, books, and even more books.
The stock here consists mostly of Englishlanguage books with a smattering of French
ones. Half are brand new while the other
half are secondhand - all imported from the
US. Titles run the gamut from young adult,
romance, popular self-helps to finds few
would expect from a Vietnamese bookstore
such as Dante’s Divine Comedy, HG Wells’
22
Seven Novel collection, HP Lovecraft’s
Complete Cthulhu Mythos, and even a
complete collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s
poems and tales in three different editions:
hardback, hardback with illustrations, and
Barnes & Noble Classic leather bound with
silver or gold plated pages.
“Because we are so small, and our
customers are so niche, we can make some
really brave choices in our selection,” says
Thao, Boa’s co-owner. “If we ran a bigger
store with more varied customers like
Phuong Nam Book or such, then we probably
would have to stock the popular, easy to sell
varieties more. But as we are now, we can be
the bookworms we want to be.”
Looking at the rare editions and collectible
titles it boasts, it’s hard to believe Boa started
out two years ago as an online forum to sell
secondhand books. “Thuy and I started out
on this tiny forum for English-language book
lovers. We were just regular members and
were just having fun sharing our obsession
with like-minded people,” says Thao. “By
chance, Thuy had a relative in America who
occasionally shipped her a book or two. She
shared them online and before she knew it,
people were asking her to order books for
them and were willing to pay a little extra for
her time. That was how Boa actually started
out.”
Thao, 24, and Thuy, 25, opened the
bookstore using their savings. “A lot of people
questioned our choice in business investment,
our families included,” shares the latter, who
works a second job in a furniture company
to finance their new venture. “This is, after
all, the era of Kindle and digital texts so it
probably seems a little unwise to put all your
savings into a tiny book business dealing
exclusively with physical foreign language
books. But we just love books too much to do
anything else.”
For the first year, Boa was less a book
business proper and more a nameless book
ordering service favored by English literature
students and teenagers. “We were students
and broke. We could afford only 10 books per
month and keep maybe 20 to 30 in stock at a
time. That’s how small we were.”
Stranger Than Fiction
It took two years for Boa to get its proper
name, storefront and become a bookstore.
That they could grow from 10 books per
month to an inventory of 10,000 titles in
stock and a monthly addition of 500
new books is a testament to the growing
community of English readers
in Saigon.
“We owe this to the community’s support,”
say the young owners. “Without their love
and help, we wouldn’t be here today, doing
what we love and making a career out of it.”
To show appreciation to the community and
to promote reading, in the first few months of
the store’s opening at the Turtle Roundabout,
Boa ran a public reading project named Book
Station.
“We got the idea from mini public
libraries in other countries. We made this
little redwood box by hand, stocked it full
with English books and every day put it in
the front yard of the restaurant downstairs.
Anybody walking around the Turtle
Roundabout could see it,” Thao explains. “The
rule is that everyone is welcomed to borrow
the books inside provided that they bring one
of theirs to replace the book they borrow. The
book can be new or old and about anything,
provided it is in decent condition.”
Book Station was hugely popular until
someone stole all the books in the box in
broad daylight. “It came as a shock to us,”
says Thuy. “It never occurred to us that
could happen. The spirit of the project is
to make reading readily available to all
kinds of people. We posted no guards and
had no locks on the box. These books are
secondhand. They aren’t worth a lot. If you
sell them all, maybe you will get enough for
a cup of coffee and a bowl of pho. Whoever
took our books could not have taken them
for money. They could only have done it out
of spite.”
Since then, the redwood box has been
shelved away to gather dust in a corner of the
store. The two have received many offers to
refill the contents but they are still undecided
on Book Station’s future.
“That does not mean we aren’t going to do
anything,” the pair insists. “We have a few
options open to us. Book Station 2.0 is always
an option but we want to share our passion
in a meaningful way with people who love
books just as much as us. We have a couple of
contacts in international schools in District 2
who won’t say no to a donated Book Station
box. That’s one way to make sure our books
are well loved and read.”
23
feature
Casting Call
French-Vietnamese actress Linh-Dan Pham opens up on
family, acting and Vietnam
Text by James Pham
Best known for her breakthrough role
as Camille, Catherine Deneuve’s adopted
daughter in the Academy Award-winning
Indochine, Linh-Dan Pham has gone on to
star in dozens of movies and television shows,
earning her a nomination and a win for Most
Promising Actress at the Cesar Award, the
highest film honor in France.
Oi talked to Linh-Dan about life as an
international film star, her Vietnamese roots
and what it will take to put Vietnamese
cinema on the map.
Looking back on the young actress who
played Camille in Indochine, if you could
go back in time, what would you say to
her?
Actually, I wish I could go back to the young
actress who played Camille: the innocence,
the fearlessness! It’s like the more I know, the
more I doubt. It’s like I’m a freshman every
time I prepare for a role.
After Indochine, you quit acting for 10
years, bowing to your mother’s wishes
to pursue a more stable career. Do
you think that was related to your
Vietnamese upbringing?
Maybe it was my Vietnamese upbringing…
but this could also happen in any traditional
family. Acting is still a very unstable
profession and parents want stability and
safety for their children. But to be honest, in
my case I did not really discover a passion for
acting after I shot Indochine. I had a great time
shooting it but I didn’t really miss it when it
was over. Yes, I missed the attention you get
on a shoot being in the lead part, but I didn’t
really miss the “craft.” I didn’t realize that
that was what I wanted to do. I realize now
that I can only express my creativity through
acting.
You left Vietnam when you were only
one. People in those circumstances often
feel torn between two worlds - not quite
having the typical “look” of their new
home while not sounding “native” enough
for their home country. Have you ever
felt that way?
This is an interesting dilemma that you
mention… but it is one that I never felt. That’s
maybe because of how I was raised. There
24
was never a doubt in my parents’ minds
that we were Vietnamese people living in
France. So for example, I spoke Vietnamese
and had to abide by “Asian” rules (respecting
elders, not going out, heading home by 10pm
when all my French friends were going for
a night out, etc…) but I went to school with
and had Caucasian, North African, Jewish
friends. And we were all French! To me, I am
Vietnamese with a French passport. I always
thought that that was a strength rather than
a weakness. I speak Vietnamese, French and
English fluently, I’ve traveled far since I was
young. I feel comfortable everywhere most of
the time.
To date, what’s been your proudest
achievement as an actress?
There have been many great moments
of which I’m proud, but thinking about
my career to date what really gives me
satisfaction is that I’ve found my place in
French cinema without resorting to typecast
parts of the Asian chick. I get approached by
directors and casting agents because of my
body of work, and because they see me as an
actress, not as an Asian actress, so I’ve been
able to explore different genres and not be
limited to certain types of films, resulting in
an eclectic filmography. That doesn’t mean I
won’t take roles that are specific to an Asian
character, like in The Beat that My Heart
Skipped, when I feel excited by the acting
challenge that it presents.
The character I’m most fond of is Cam in
Adrift (Choi Voi) [an award-winning 2009
Vietnamese film which dealt with modern
themes like homosexuality and loneliness].
I’m not Cam, but I felt very much at home in
Cam’s skin. Cam is a young woman who is
a writer, single, living with her mother, and
there is such a richness and complexity to
her persona, which is charged with all the
contradictions of her position. On the surface
she seems calm, in control, and sometimes
a little callous towards her younger friend,
Duyen (played by Do Thi Hai Yen). But
underneath you can glimpse all of these
conflicting elements driving her actions. She’s
clearly modern, yet her artistic life seems set
amid that very traditional environment of a
writer’s studio. She’s single, but with hints of
complex romances. There is the traditional
mother-daughter relationship with the
mother’s calmly unquestioning and patient
expectation of the ultimate goal of a wedding.
And then of course there is the ambiguity of
her relationship with Duyen, who seems so
pure and simple against Cam’s complexity.
It was wonderful to try to capture and play
all of that, to try to carry these motivations
inside and allow them to emerge. Anyway,
for me it was a wonderful experience,
especially as the first fully Vietnamese
production I have done. I never expected it to
be a box office success, but I was captivated
by the script and by [director] Bui Thac
Chuyen’s vision from the very beginning.
I was thrilled with the final product and so
proud that it got an award at the Venice Film
festival.
Outside of a small handful of films,
Vietnamese cinema has made a very
small impact on the world scene. What
needs to change to put Vietnamese
cinema on the map?
Most movies made in Vietnam are
commercial films, which need to make it
at the box office in Vietnam, since there is
“I knew it was not
going to be like making
a movie in Europe or
the US: no private
rooms or trailers for
the actors; limited
filming equipment;
young inexperienced
crew; but everyone
was so eager to make
it happen, to learn, to
move forward.”
Photography: Greg Alexander (www.gregalexander.net)
Art director: Sébastien Vienne
Make-up: Nathalie Grand
Hair: François Laly
Dresses by Dina JSR (www.dinajsr.com)
Coordination: Zeina Raphaël @Almaz Communication Paris
Special thanks to Hôtel de Buci Paris
25
not a wide international audience that can
support ticket sales. At the same time there is
limited finance for films and the production
companies need to survive without taking
too many risks, so there is a lot of formulaic
plotting, copying of successful concepts
from abroad (“Let’s make Sex and the City
for Vietnam...”), and a focus on numbers.
But what I’d love to see is films with more
soul; sincerity is key. There are a lot of crazily
talented people in film in Vietnam who can
and will create works that will captivate
and convince international audiences, and
producers should have the courage to exploit
this talent. I can’t criticize, as I understand
that the challenges facing a young film
industry are significant, and I’ve discussed it
many times with friends who are producers,
writers or directors in Vietnam, who also
yearn for this evolution.
Vietnamese performers (actors, singers,
etc.) in general are not paid well. And it
is even a more unstable lifestyle here
than in the West, perhaps. What advice
do you have for aspiring Vietnamese
actors?
I would say: “If you are in this business to
get rich and famous, then get out right now”
because you never know what tomorrow is
made of. Especially that a lot of it has to do
with chance: being there at the right place at
26
the right moment. But I also believe in destiny
and hard work. I’ve been lucky so far but I’ve
also worked pretty hard to get to where I am
today. Celebrity is a strange commodity these
days, but has become even more divorced
from talent through the impact of reality
shows, and from hard work through star
search shows like Pop Idol. I don’t begrudge
any of the success or riches that some may
enjoy that way, but I have a feeling that many
younger people increasingly see celebrity
and artistic performance as equivalent. They
aren’t.
Despite being known for your dramatic
roles, what is it about comedy that you
enjoy over other genres?
Comedy allows you to play roles which are
somehow less connected to real life, at least
that are further from me as a person. So it
becomes more like a composition of a totally
new persona. I played a retired super model
who’s kind of a spoiled, druggy, party girl
in a comedy called All That Glitters (Tout ce
qui Brille), and I was really just playing with
making up a personality, which was great
fun but with whom I felt no connection.
But that’s also why comedy is hard - it’s so
easy to slip into caricature and cliché, which
becomes boring and two-dimensional for the
audience, or to indicate the jokes, which ruins
the impact of the humor. I love watching
comedians who also have a deep sense of the
dramatic and of character in their comedy.
Will Ferrell is incredible, even at his silliest
you completely believe in this outrageous
personality he has created. Same goes for
Kristen Wiig. And Sandra Bullock is a rare
example of an actor who is strong in both
drama and comedy.
Tell us about an experience you’ve had
in Vietnam that sums up what you love
about this country.
I’ll talk again about Choi Voi. We were
making this film on no money, and I knew it
was not going to be like making a movie in
Europe or the US: no private rooms or trailers
for the actors; limited filming equipment;
young inexperienced crew; but everyone was
so eager to make it happen, to learn, to move
forward. Such a dynamism, so much passion,
and such clever solutions to get things done
on a shoestring. Seeing this and being part of
it gave me such a buzz and told me that the
resourcefulness and creativity that I see in
other walks of life in Vietnam are also there
in the nascent film industry.
Do you ever look back and think what
your life would’ve been like had you
stayed in Vietnam?
No, not really. Life’s been good so far!
27
F E A T URE
Pride
A look inside a lucky lion’s head
Text by NPD Khanh Images by Neil Featherstone
“Lions and dragons are symbols of luck
and prosperity. For the Vietnamese, without
luck there is no life,” says Nhu Tra, a dancer
from the Ha Nhan Duong troupe. “Which is
why you will see lion dancing not just around
Tet but also at opening ceremonies of many
new businesses. It is hard work hoisting
a 14kg lion head on your shoulder while
dancing nimbly on your feet.”
“Thirty years ago, every single lion dance
group in this city had to get their costumes
from Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and
China, and they weren’t cheap. They ranged
from USD1,200 to USD1,500 – a fortune back
then,” explains Tam Quach, owner of Binh
Hoa, a workshop in District 6 that specializes
in making lion costumes.
But that has since changed. It started with
one family learning the basics of how to craft
the framework, then this knowledge was
quickly shared and developed. And now there
are more than 50 international-standard lion
28
and dragon costume producers in Ho Chi
Minh City alone – centered around Districts
5, 6 and 11. The workshops are open, with
bamboo frames, lion and dragon parts and
mixed paints strewn haphazardly from inside
the home out into the street.
“Lion costumes made in Vietnam are very
popular, you know?” shares Luong Tan
Hang, the chief at Hang Anh Duong
workshop and dance troupe. “We have
developed a reputation for high quality
at very affordable prices. Though we lack
years of experience, we can still easily
compete with our Japanese or Singaporean
competitors. Most people don’t realize it but
even lion costumes have trends in fashion.
This year, luminous paint and beauty marks
on the lion’s head are in.”
No single workshop can undertake the
creation of a lion costume alone. Instead,
the work is split and distributed among
collaborating workshops with each team
specializing in one task or creating a specific
part of the lion’s body such as the mane, the
eyes, the frame, even down to seemingly little
things like the claws or the nose.
“The work requires painstaking attention
to detail. A lion costume is a big thing. By
dividing up the parts, we can make sure
attention is paid to each individual part,”
explains 60-year-old artisan Tu Nhut. One
lion costume takes a week to produce while a
procession dragon takes two or more weeks
to complete. The lion can cost anywhere
from VND15 million to VND25 million and,
depending on the length of the body, a dragon
can cost anywhere from VND50 million to
VND200 million.
“Business has been very good despite
the state of economy,” says Hang, whose
shop recently sold 100 lions and 20 dragons
to various Southeast Asian countries. “Or
perhaps because of it. The tougher the going
gets, the more luck people seem to want.”
29
30
HOM E S W E E T HOME
INTERIOR DESIGN Column
Opposites
Attract
How to mix and match styles
and make it work
The principle of contrast probably
makes you think of color, and that’s a
natural place to start - black and white or
complementary color palettes are classic
sources of contrast. However, you can
also use contrast in pairing architecture,
furniture or art styles together (modern
with vintage or antique), textures (smooth
and shiny with rough or soft) and form
(straight shapes with curvy ones). In terms
of effect, contrast draws your attention,
whereas grouping items with similar
features allows your eyes to pass over
them. Contrast is exciting, similarity is
calming; every space needs some of both.
The iconic Louis Ghost Chair by
Phillippe Starck is a study in contrasts in
itself - it marries the neoclassical style of
Louis XVI with sleek, glossy Lucite, to
stunning effect. But we can even go a step
further and see how interior designers
have mixed this piece with other elements
for both similarity and contrast.
The Swedish kitchen photographed by
Rebecca Martyn plays with contrast in the
largely black and white color palette, and
certainly with the single copper pendant,
but the chairs’ Lucite material fits right
in. In fact, there isn’t much variation in
texture here at all, as it ranges from smooth
and matte to downright shiny. How would
the space feel different if the designer
hadn’t chosen to whitewash the wood
floors? How might that affect where your
eye is drawn?
The Better Homes & Gardens dining
room takes a different approach. Stylewise, it’s quite a cohesive space, and the
original wood-framed Louis XVI chair
would be perfectly at home. Instead, the
Louis Ghost’s sleek modern material pops
and makes a serious statement among
the many classic elements. Whether you
love or hate this choice, you certainly
can’t help but notice it. On a side note, the
translucent chairs are a smart choice for
what looks to be a small space.
When you do opt for contrast, be sure
there’s enough of a difference between the
two elements so it appears purposeful. You
IMAGE BY Rebecca Martyn
IMAGE BY BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
As an interior and furniture designer for Austin Home
Interiors (www.austinhomeinteriors.com), McNeill
Shiner is always looking for new ways to mix styles
and influences to create spaces that are uplifting,
comfortable and very personal.
may recall from an earlier column that a
major key to mixing patterns successfully is
considering scale and size. Two geometrics
side by side might look like an accident
rather than a choice, but one large and one
small will highlight the individual qualities
of each. A geometric plus something
completely different, like a floral or a
tonal texture? Even more so. The principle
applies elsewhere as well, so always make
those choices intentionally.
Dining rooms are a good place to
analyze similarity and contrast, because the
components involved tend to be limited table, chairs, chandelier, art, and possibly
a rug, sideboard and window treatments.
There isn’t a whole lot of innovation in
layout either, so all of this makes it easier
for you to hone in on sources of contrast.
Are you seeing variation in color, style
or material? Which do you find most
appealing? Pinterest.com is always my
favorite place to browse interior images,
but you can also use Houzz or even Google
Images for ideas.
31
F E A T URE
Just Married
A defining wedding ceremony takes place
openly in Vietnam
Text by Michael Arnold
Images Provided by Adrian Anh Tuan
Sometimes the most significant
transformations in history happen quietly,
beautifully, perfectly. They occur as a
convergence of forces that may have been in
motion for some time - and they represent
the single point of transition when the
struggles of those who have gone before
culminate in generation-defining change.
On January 24, 2015, well-known local
fashion designer Mr. Adrian Anh Tuan
married Mr. Son Doan, a VietnameseAmerican, in a private ceremony at the
Amiana Resort in Nha Trang. As with every
same-sex wedding ceremony in Vietnam, the
marriage was not registered,
and no law was broken. But this time, no
officer of the law arrived to take anybody
away in the name of public decency;
nobody was fined or sent off for re-education.
The ceremony occurred openly, proudly,
and joyously. Most significant, however,
was the fact that in the weeks that followed,
thousands of messages were sent to the
happy couple in overwhelming support of
their union - and not aone single message
of hate. There was no condemnation in
the media, not one statement of disgust or
protest, no claim that Vietnamese traditions
were under threat. For the first time in
modern history, Vietnamese society itself
faced a love between two men for what it
was - and smiled in acceptance, offering their
congratulations.
For Adrian, the intense outpouring of love
and admiration from the public has come as
a complete surprise. “Just last year, the police
would have come to stop a wedding like
ours,” he says. “Somehow, there has been
no negative impact. We did our wedding
out of love; we didn’t think we were going
to inspire people or make it to the news or
anything. That all happened out of nowhere.
But I think we’re really lucky it happened
that way. I’ve received messages every day
from young people who say ‘I want to come
out,’ or who want to ask about our love story.
Every day since the wedding. My Facebook
followers have doubled over the past week.
I think it’s had a pretty good impact - and
32
really inspired people.”
Acceptance in Society
The couple’s wedding ceremony followed
a long-awaited change in marriage law,
which came into effect on January 1, 2015.
Although the timing is a lucky coincidence
(they had originally planned for their
ceremony to take place last August, and
say they would have held it regardless of
any changes in the law) the release of the
2014 Act contained an important rephrasing
in which same-sex marriage is no longer
a ‘forbidden’ union but has instead been
labeled as ‘not legally recognized.’ Although
homosexual weddings (as opposed to
marriages) have never been explicitly
outlawed in Vietnam, law enforcement
agencies have frequently cited the previous
legislation to justify punishments levied
against same-sex couples who have dared
to hold public ceremonies in the recent past.
Since the new law came into effect, there
has been some confusion about its stance:
some international news outlets proclaimed
that gay marriage was legalized here,
while others expressed their disappointment
that Vietnam had missed its opportunity
to become the first Asian country to do so.
What makes Adrian and Son’s wedding so
important, however, is that the reaction
from the public shows this issue is no longer
as stigmatized in Vietnamese
society as it once was – and therein lies
the most significant change. It’s this, more
than anything else, that LGBT activist
groups have been fighting for – the right
to be accepted not just in law, but in
society at large.
“I haven’t heard of any other recent
same-sex weddings,” says Adrian. “I’m sure
there have been some, but they probably
weren’t done openly like ours. Maybe after
this, things will change. Definitely if there
are more events like this, and they’re wellreceived by the public, then I’m sure that
it will affect the lawmakers and they will
do something about it.”
As with any marriage, the couple has
discovered that the experience of going
through the ceremony has deepened
their relationship in unexpected ways.
“We’ve been together and we’ve lived
together for almost three years,” says
Adrian. “It’s not like it’s a big change in
terms of our living situation. It’s more
about what’s in your head. We feel more
attached, actually. I didn’t expect that. I
thought that what we had was the best we
could have already. But with the wedding,
we feel closer. The point of the whole thing
was for us to have a memory to keep, to
have more responsibility to one another, and
to really be recognized as a couple in our
families’ eyes.”
The wedding itself was almost dreamlike.
“It was quite Westernized, but modified for
our purposes,” he continues. “A ceremony on
the beach. Rings and vows. Our parents gave
speeches and everybody was very emotional.
I think they could see the love that came
from us. They were really happy for us.”
“I’m not a crier, and I didn’t think I was
going to cry at my wedding. But I don’t
know what happened – I just couldn’t stop.
Everyone there was crying.”
Adrian and Son hope their example will set
a positive precedent for other
same-sex couples who wish to follow suit.
“It should be this way for a very long time
now,” says Adrian. “We’re not in the 80s
or early 70s when homosexuality was
something blooming and new here. Vietnam
even 10 years ago was still very conservative.
But the more we grow, the more open we are.
I didn’t know that all this would happen, but
I’m very honored to be a part of it. It could be
the start of something a lot better for the
gay community.”
33
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The
Things
Summer heat got you down? We’re cooling off and
indulging in a sugar rush by imagining ourselves
sinking our teeth into the world’s sweetest, coolest
desserts. From America to The Netherlands, here are
seven treats that offer layers of sugary goodness.
Chuc an ngon!
Text by James Pham, Michael Arnold & NPD Khanh
Images by Ngoc Tran & Neil Featherstone
35
Haagse bluf
Double
Delight
36
The only time
to “go Dutch”
when dining
How many times have you considered
your dining options and thought: “Let’s go
Dutch?” Not as in split the bill, but as in
eat the cuisine of the Netherlands. And if
you were able to locate a Dutch restaurant
in Saigon - best of luck with that - do you
have any idea what you’d find on the
menu? The Netherlands, as these questions
suggest, has never been known as a
culinary destination. Actually, that’s an
understatement. For years, the gastronomy
of this country has lagged woefully behind
many of its European neighbors.
“There’s a reason for that,” explains
Peter Cijsouw, proud Dutchman and
owner of the newly opened restaurant
The Bourgondier (Number 62, Street 65,
Appelflap
Tan Phong, District 7). “To be perfectly
honest, Dutch cuisine is not truly
gourmet cuisine. Dutch food is not like
French food. It is made of commonplace
ingredients, simple techniques and
hearty flavors and it absolutely lacks that
glamorous flair that makes it instantly
recognizable and adaptable.”
And a sweet staple that exemplifies
the simple but hearty Dutch cuisine is
the appelflap (VND70,000). In the barest
description, an appelflap is a hand-sized
Dutch spin on the classic American
apple pie. The dessert consists of fresh
Goudreinet (a type of sweet and sour
apple grown in Holland) apple slices,
cinnamon and assorted fruits wrapped
inside a thick pastry shell and oven baked
for 20 to 25 minutes. The finished product
is a golden brown triangle that is hot and
crispy on the outside and sweet and juicy
on the inside.
“Everybody in Holland eats the
appelflap,” says Peter. “Everybody! It is
served from ordinary food stands and at
high-class restaurants. Rich folks eat it.
Not so rich folks also eat it. Eat it as a
dessert or eat it as a snack. Eat it hot and
fresh from the oven or microwaved from
the fridge. And just about anyone can
make one so long as they have the basic
kitchen equipment.”
However, as popular as the appelflap
is, there is an even more quintessential
Dutch dessert out there - the Haagse bluf
(VND35,000) - a dessert that can rightly
put on airs. The Haagse in the name
derives from Den Haag (The Hague),
the capital city of the province of South
Holland. Loosely translated, it means
‘Hague bluff,’ supposedly because the
wealthy residents of the city are full
of hot air. The name has since become
an endearment to the national favorite
dessert. Unlike the appelflap, Haagse bluf
has no cultural equivalent anywhere in
the world, nor is it a popular menu item
in restaurants in or outside of Holland,
according to Peter.
“I’ve spent decades around the world,
from West to East and not once have
I seen it in any restaurants outside
Holland,” Peter claims. The fault for this
startling unpopularity, he says, lies in the
extremely short shelf-life of the dish.
“The key ingredient of Haagse bluf is raw
egg white. Even with a good refrigerator, it
will only stay good for a couple of hours.”
The other ingredients are sugar, berries
(blended and fresh) and ladyfingers. A
highly skilled chef can whip the mixture of
egg white, sugar and blended berries into a
sweet, frothy, pink puff, place it into a stem
glass and garnish the dainty combination
with fresh berries and ladyfingers in under
five minutes. The final product is a sweet,
delicate dish so airy it won’t even register
in your stomach.
“Which means that you don’t have to
hold back when it comes to this dessert,”
says Peter. “You can eat to your heart’s
content and not worry about leaving
room for the last course. Imagine having
your sweet treat on top of a sumptuous
traditional four-course Bourgondian
dinner. A perfect end to a meal, isn’t it?”
37
Fire & Ice
Alaskan
38
Vietnam’s own celebrity chef Jack
Lee is probably best known for the exotic
Chinoise cuisine that he serves up to the rich
and famous back in the US. Since touching
down in his native Saigon to build up his
brand here – cheffing at Compass Living’s
Acacia Restaurant at 149 Nguyen Du, D1
– he’s been turning heads with bold FrenchCalifornian dishes garnished with his own
groundbreaking Vietnamese tropical fruit
sauces. What truly distinguishes Jack as a
chef, however, is his culinary art: by using
food as a medium of artistic expression,
Jack literally fashions fine artworks on the
plate, drawing inspiration from life and
representing this in the textures, colors,
and tastes of various food items to create
intriguing matches and contrasts – taking
‘concept cuisine’ to an abstract level.
One of Jack’s sweeter creations that's
now being served at Acacia is a dessert
modeled after a baked Alaska recipe he
picked up while working at the prestigious
Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles – notorious
for its predilection for dishes with dazzle.
Inspired by the sunsets over Hawaiian
volcanic landscapes, Jack’s recipe uses
a carefully-prepared ice cream-filled
meringue cone with a pandan cake base set
on a fine Sauvignon Blanc and blueberry
sauce (representing the ocean reddened by
sunlight) and surrounded by a coral reef of
chocolate rock candy. The flame is provided
by a strong cointreau flambé (or cherry
kirsch, when available) that is generously
splashed over the slopes of the meringue
and the candy as well – which in a dimly-lit
romantic setting makes them glow like hot
magma.
It’s a character dish that works a range of
subtle flavors into some fairly standard base
ingredients – try, for example, to pick up the
orange accents of the cointreau as they sink
into the brittle meringue shell between your
teeth. Dip a scoop of the vanilla ice cream
into the blueberry wine and see what games
that plays on the tongue.
The magic of all baked Alaskas, of course,
is the way the ice cream is insulated during
the heating process, creating a contrast of
fire and ice. This is nothing new - the dessert
was written about back in 1802, although
it only became known by its present name
when New York's famous Delmonico's
restaurant served it to commemorate
the American acquisition of the Alaskan
territory in 1876. It's traditionally ovenbaked, although Jack's flambéed version is
technically a bombe Alaska (VND148,000),
which has more of a kick. It's not without its
risks – when he first attempted the dessert
back at Bel-Air, he managed to flambé his
own hand. It's fortunate for us that the chef
has now owned this dish – indeed, it's one
of this season's must-try delicacies.
For Acacia’s Valentine’s Day menu this
year, Chef Jack created a heart-shaped
version for sizzling couples, which is still
available on request.
Pinoy
Ice, ice, baby
The cuisine of the sunny Philippines
isn’t so easy to hunt down in Ho Chi Minh
City, but there are a few enclaves where
eager and inquisitive gourmands can check
out the taste of Manila for themselves. One
of these – Loriekot’s Lutong Bahay at 193
Dien Bien Phu – has come a long way since
we first reviewed it back in our September
2014 issue. At the time, the simple streetside
stall was indistinguishable from a local
snack stand except for its exotic menu items.
Loriekot’s has changed much, however, and
it’s now a dine-in restaurant with a whole
range of new dishes. The most welcome
feature on its new lineup is the selection
of traditional desserts, and the standout of
these has to be the colorful Pinoy delicacy
that has recently taken off in New York,
described by celebrity foodie Anthony
Bourdain as being “oddly beautiful” – halohalo.
A blend of sweet tubers, beans and fruit
stirred through shaved ice like an Asianstyle slushee (and topped with a generous
hunk of purple taro ice cream), halo-halo
(VND60,000) isn’t all that dissimilar to some
forms of Vietnam’s sweet che desserts.
What distinguishes it from its local cousin
are both the choice of ingredients and
the caramelized evaporated milk base
that imbues it with rich, malty overtones.
While the list of ingredients is variable
by nature (the name literally means “all
mixed up”), you won’t tend to find lychees,
water chestnut, or so much fruit as you
do in Vietnamese che – but you will find
jackfruit, cassava, banana, and delicious,
nutty chunks of a rare form of Filipino
coconut called macapuno. The resultant
bomb-blast of colorful debris suspended in
its creamy white gel has to be one of the
best remedies there is for cooling down on
warm, sweaty evenings both here and back
in the Philippines.
Loriekot’s recipe is fairly standard –
proprietress Marie Malit claims it’s an
extremely familiar treat that has been
prepared by Filipino families for a very long
time, something she remembers enjoying as
a child. Those who do remember this delight
from their early years won’t be disappointed
with this version: authenticity at Loriekot’s
is pretty much guaranteed by the fact
that the restaurant imports its essential
ingredients straight from the Philippines.
Moving to the larger premises has
enabled Marie to consistently provide
this fondly-remembered treat to the local
Filipino community – and halo-halo isn’t
the only popular sweet that’s found a place
on her menu. Some are takes on familiar
dishes here – the leche plan is a more
intensely caramelized version of the local
banh flan, and the turon is a particularly
delicious deep-fried banana wrapped up
like a spring roll. Other desserts are more
unusual – buko pie is a coconut-cake
pastry, while pichi pichi is a down-to-earth
dish from the Filipino south that features
gelatinous cassava balls sprinkled with a
special savory cheese that nicely sets off its
creamy sweetness. With these and other
new additions to the menu, Loriekot’s is on
a winning streak – making it a good time to
stop by and sweeten up on these rarely-seen
desserts after a healthy dinner of some of
this city’s hardest-to-find delicacies.
Clockwise from left: Halo-halo,
Puto, Turon
39
Incr
Satisfy your
sweet tooth
while saving
the planet
40
Until the end of March, the Lobby
Lounge (Renaissance Riverside Hotel
Saigon, 8-15 Ton Duc Thang, D1) is doing
its part to save the world while making
it a sweeter place. The R-Cookie Coffee
(VND100,000++) joins the latest food
trend in edible packaging in the form of
a deliciously edible pastry cup housing a
shot of Procaffe espresso eccellente, a blend
of Arabica beans with Asian Robusta.
The cookie is slightly denser than your
average cookie but without being too thick
thanks to the almond flour in the dough,
allowing it to hold hot beverages for up to
20-25 minutes. An inner coating of white
chocolate does double duty by helping to
keep the coffee from seeping through with
the added benefit of sweetening your coffee
as it melts, so no extra sugar needed. And
best of all, when you’re done, there’s no
coffee cup to wash!
Sustainable packaging is all the rage
in the culinary world these days. Among
the innovations are containers made
from caramelized sugar and wax that
crack open like an egg and packaging
made of biodegradable beeswax that can
be peeled like fruit - all compostable or
soluble in water. Not content to simply
produce planet-friendly biodegradable
packaging, other companies are trying
to make containers tasty as well. There
are now commercially viable products
like WikiPearls ― skins for foods like ice
cream, cheese, and frozen yogurt and even
agar (a seaweed-based gel) cups that look
like glass and taste like pink grapefruit and
yuzu.
In keeping with the “green” theme, try
pairing the R-Cookie Coffee with a slice of
chocolate pistachio cake (VND60,000++).
Layers of chocolate and vanilla sponge
cake are sandwiched between rich, nutty
pistachio cream, making for a sweet, but
not too sweet, delight. Even the health
conscious can indulge because almost 90
percent of the fat found in pistachios is the
healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats.
If edible packaging is the future of food
science, then welcome to a brave, new (and
very delicious) world.
41
Sweet
Three ingredients,
limitless flavor
While Southeast Asian cuisine
is some of the trendiest on the planet, it
sadly often falls short at the finish line.
Traditionally incorporating unexpected and
very obviously non-dessert ingredients (at
least from the Western perspective) like
corn, taro, yams and beans, they can end
up a brain-twisting, taste bud-confusing
mélange. Leave it up to the Land of Smiles,
42
however, to save the day. Perennially
the Southeast Asian representative in
any Top 10 world cuisines poll, the Thais
have perfected khao niew ma muang, the
universally loved and deceptively simple
mango sticky rice.
Chef Supachai of Spice Restaurant
(27 Le Quy Don, D3), a Thai mainstay in
HCMC since 2003, thinks that while Thai
cuisine is exploding in Western countries,
it possibly hasn’t been embraced as warmly
in Vietnam due to its spicy nature and the
country’s hot weather. But one dish diners
do seem to love is the simple marriage
of sticky rice, coconut milk and mango,
the sum being ever more greater than its
humble parts.
Chef Supachai’s version of the dish
(VND65,000) starts off by soaking
glutinous rice for hours or even overnight,
encouraging it to absorb the liquid
which makes it soft when cooked using
a minimum of water. Chef Supachai says
the secret to the sticky rice is to allow the
grains to expand without becoming mushy
as it’s meant to absorb more coconut milk
before the dish is assembled.
The coconut milk is also homemade in
the Spice kitchen, starting with a base of
freshly shredded coconut left to steep in
boiling water for half an hour and then
squeezed out using a mesh cloth to extract
every bit of flavor. Palm sugar is then
added with a touch of salt to bring out
the coconut’s natural sweetness. Finally,
tapioca starch is introduced as a thickening
agent.
From there, it’s a matter of plating the
dish with a scoop of sticky rice infused
with coconut milk, a sliced, soft, buttery
mango and a drizzle of the remaining
coconut milk resulting in a dish that’s
warm and satisfying, with an all natural
sweetness to it. Because all the ingredients
are commonly found here in Vietnam, it’s
hard to imagine why the dish hasn’t yet
been co-opted into local cuisine. “While
it may seem simple to make, every Thai
dish contains a secret which makes it
hard to copy,” says Chef Supachai with an
enigmatic Thai smile.
The
Pick-me-up
Italy’s muchloved version
of cookies and
cream
Cookies and cream taste good in any
language. The English have their trifle,
the Portuguese the serradura and the
Italians, tiramisu. Literally meaning “pick
me up” for its stimulating combination
of coffee and cocoa, the origin of Italy’s
most famous sweet can be traced back to
17th century Siena, Tuscany. Prepared for
the Grand Duke Cosimo de’Medici III, the
cake steeped in liqueur and topped with
pastry cream became known as Zuppa del
Duca, or Duke's Pudding. It later became
a hit in England, where it was known
as Zuppa Inglese (“English soup”) or the
Tuscan Trifle.
“Everybody in Italy eats tiramisu since
they’re born,” says chef/owner of La
Bettola, Giuseppe Amorello of the simple
concoction of eggs, sugar, mascarpone
and coffee-soaked ladyfingers. “It’s like
pho bo for Vietnamese. Every mother in
Italy makes it. There’s always some in the
fridge to be eaten any time.”
Like the original recipe, La Bettola’s
family-friendly version (VND125,000+;
84 Ho Tung Mau, D1) doesn’t include
alcohol. “If you want, you can add some
Bailey’s or brandy. My grandma used to
put in a little grappa,” laughs Giuseppi.
Instead, in his trendy eatery, Giuseppi
focuses on using 100 percent fresh,
homemade ingredients, from the eggs,
sugar and flour for the ladyfingers to the
mascarpone cheese made with heavy
cream and a bit of acid, like lemon juice.
“Some places use whipping cream or add
more cookie so they can get away with
using less mascarpone. But since we don’t
have to buy any processed ingredients,
our tiramisu has a very homemade taste.”
The assembly calls for soaking the lady
fingers in a strong espresso then topped
with a layer of mascarpone into which
egg whites have been folded for a light,
foamy texture, all served up in a martini
glass and garnished with a sprig of mint
and a lingua di gatto cookie. “Even though
the ingredients are simple, tiramisu is not
very easy to make. You need to find the
right balance between cream and cookie,”
says Giuseppi.
No longer reserved for visiting royalty,
anytime is tiramisu time.
43
Dessert of
Sinfully simple
chocolate mousse
44
Chocolate, the “Drink of the Gods,”
just makes everything better. By the mid
19th century, dark chocolate, together with
whipped eggs, found its way into French
kitchens in the form of light-as-air yet
intensely flavorful chocolate mousse and
has remained the classic French afterdinner dessert. While adventurous cooks
(“egged” on by the recent vegan trend)
have tinkered with the recipe, adding
ingredients such as olive oil, basil, avocado,
balsamic vinegar and even soy sauce,
chocolate mousse in its very simplest form
requires only two ingredients: an ounce of
chocolate and an egg per person.
The Sweet Bitter Chocolate Mousse at
the fully refurbished Café de l’Opera
(formerly the Lobby Lounge of Caravelle
Saigon, Ground Floor, 19-23 Lam Son
Square, D1; VND98,000++) stays true to
the original recipe, with the only additions
being whipping cream and a touch of rum.
While the ingredients are few, the magic
comes in the technique of melting the dark
chocolate in a bain-marie (a container
gently heated by simmering water) and
slowly adding it to a mixture of whipped
cream, whisked eggs, sugar and rum while
folding gently to maintain the lightness
and aeration of a classic mousse.
Traditionally served in a glass to
showcase its winning combination of the
airy texture of the whipped egg whites
along with the intense color of the dark
chocolate, the Café de l’Opera adds a
splash of color with a layer of raspberry
puree along with some fresh raspberries
and brittle cacao sticks, pairing the bright
tartness of the raspberry with the rich
sweetness of the chocolate.
With its brand new art deco look
featuring giant floor-to-ceiling windows
overlooking the French-inspired Saigon
Opera House together with Saigon’s latest
“place to meet,” the Champagne Corner
(in partnership with Moët Hennessy), it’s
hard to imagine a better place to enjoy a
quintessentially French dessert.
45
Wine & Dine
IMAGE BY NEIL FEATHERSTONE
46
Pork Belly
Red Door
47
R E ST AURAN T RE VIEW
Please Help
Yourself
An all-you-can-eat dining concept in a
modern style lodge
Text by Jimmy Dau Images provided by GEM Center
The Gem Center is a multilevel and
multipurpose complex which, as you enter,
has the look and feel of a modern art gallery
or museum. Tall, white ceilings contrast
with polished wooden finishes - both in the
interior fit out as well as the ground level
cafe - punctuating the spacious feeling
as you’re making your way through the
venue. Located inside Gem Center is its
signature restaurant The Log (Gem Center,
8 Nguyen Binh Khiem, D1; www.gemcenter.
com.vn). Upon entering the dining room
we were greeted by Billy the manager who
48
took us on a guided tour.. A few paces
down the hallway, away from the a la carte
section, was the buffet spread (buffet dinner
VND1,050,000/person, 6pm–10:30pm), which
we immediately knew was going to be no
ordinary buffet experience.
At the seafood bar were rows of
individually arranged oysters, fresh blue
swimmer crabs, prawns and a variety
of seafood cocktails. The entire bar was
illuminated with lights reflecting off the ice,
giving the impression of a jewelry display
case. A few paces away were the soup
and stir fried stations housing a variety of
vegetables along with protein ingredients for
the soups. They were arranged so diners can
select and place their main ingredients and
noodles inside a soup bowl then passed to the
chef to be finished off with the broth.
The scent of fennel wafting from the
Italian sausages temporarily diverted my
attention to the charcuterie section, with
its giant wheels of cheeses and five types of
sausages. Another turn took us face-to-face
with bamboo steamer baskets containing 12
types of Shanghai style dumplings. Other
Asian fusion inspired items such as sautéed
kungpao emu, barbecued ribs, beef stewed
with truffles, pork ribs, roast beef and a
number of other hot items lay there to satisfy
the carnivores. To complete a surf and turf
combination was a selection of lobsters and
giant river prawns, all ready to be laid on the
grill.
Our brief tour ended at the dessert station
where a chocolate fountain towered over an
assembly of miniature cakes and a selection
of seasonal fruit. I thought to myself that
making it as far as the dessert bar would be
an achievement itself given the number of
items starting from the seafood bar.
After the Food Tour
I decided to restrict my selection to the
oysters and sashimi to allow room for the
other remaining courses. Only two large
plump sized oysters and a few slices of
sashimi managed to fit onto the plate,
which turned out to be the right amount
given the sashimi’s rich and creamy texture,
and the oysters were accented by the ginger
vinaigrette. Wasabi lovers can rejoice at the
mound of freshly grated wasabi sitting next
to thinly sliced tuna, salmon and kingfish
that tasted of the sea.
For my soup, I selected the pork balls,
roast pork slices and the fish wrapped in
betel leaves and bacon. There are a variety of
noodles to choose from but I opted to enjoy
a noodle free soup with the spicy broth. The
fish in betel leaves and bacon was given its
second bathing in hot oil to add another
layer of texture to the dish. The spicy broth
had a milder and smokier note than I had
expected. The consistency was thicker,
reminding me of a Japanese or Korean soup
stock, rich in pork bones that had been
simmering all day long.
My dining companion decided to skip the
seafood grill, but the lobsters that caught my
eye during the tour were too tempting to
pass up. Smaller in size, I was concerned that
the char broiled lobster would dry out easily
on the grill, however, such concerns withered
away after the first bite of the succulent flesh,
brushed with a mild garlic butter.
The theme for the dessert bar is best
described as playful. I headed straight for
the chocolate fountain. Barely giving the
chocolate any time to temper, I gobbled
down two strawberries as we eyed the 10
different mini cakes behind the glass counter.
We split the 10 between us to sample and
if I had to nominate a favorite, I would opt
for the chocolate mousse topped with red
currents that added acidity and balance to the
overall desserts.
Adding to the pleasant ambiance
throughout the evening was a live band
performing popular ballads. The volume and
music was coordinated perfectly and didn’t
become a distraction. Dining at The Log
was a special experience, from the moment
we walked through the front door until
the final bite. It is a luxurious experience
with personalized buffet options, attentive
service and an intelligent use of lighting
to accentuate the mood and the feeling of
intimacy in a large space.
49
R E ST AURAN T RE VIEW
Appetizers:
Goi Sen (Lotus Salad) VND145,000
Hun uses all parts of the lotus plant,
pickled lotus stem and lotus root, mixed
with lotus seed dressing then topped
with flower petals, with sesame seeds
nestled on crispy wonton flakes on top.
Traditionally, this is cooked with fish sauce;
Hun uses mayo and the most delicious
meaty, fresh prawns we have tasted in an
age. It was a fresh, finely balanced dish,
sweet and slightly salty at once.
Cuon Chuoi (Banana Roll)
VND95,000
This dish comprises of banana and
shredded coconut meat mixed into a
paste and rolled in rice paper, and served
with pork tenderloin, which is crunchy
on the surface - yin and yang on a single
plate. The two components perfectly
complement each other and - as advised
by Hun - we ate the morsels together for
maximum sensory impact.
Cha Oc Nuong (Snails) VND155,000
Snails are usually way outside my comfort
zone, but the description was compelling:
Grilled escargot paste - snail meat ground
into a paste then mixed with more snail
julienned for a dynamic blend of texture molded into bamboo skewered squares
and grilled. The result is like a cubic satay,
the snail meat moorish and fleshy, a nutty
texture and again a delicious flavor. Smoky
and meaty, it was a little like lamb. Served
with pickled vegetables in authentic
Vietnamese style.
Chemical Reactions
Culinary science experiments in the kitchen
Text by Robert Oi Images by Neil Featherstone
Fusion is the core of Red Door’s (400/8
Le Van Sy, D3; Facebook: reddoorrestaurant)
culture - and its success. The fusion of
tastes between Vietnamese and European
influences, the architectural fusion of chic
minimalist design with traditional Hue style.
The fusion of chemistry and cuisine, which
has made Ngo Duc Hun an artist as much
as a head chef and restaurateur. The fusion
of contrasting flavors - sweet and sour; and
the endless quest for fusion of contradictory
textures in a single dish.
Red Door is full of surprises from
beginning to end. The first is discovering the
urban oasis of Hun’s parents’ former home
in an uncommonly wide suburban alley in the
heart of District 3, accessed through a tunnel,
the only hint that this was once a gated
community in an era long past.
Hun’s parents hail from Hue and the
50
distinctive red wooden door from the hem
is original, creating both a grand, imposing
entrance as much as a recognizable local
landmark. Step inside and you find yourself
in a stoned garden with a giant tree and pond
around which the two-story home, now
entirely a restaurant, is built, affording an
open indoor-outdoor feel. There are private
function rooms, open decks and the main
dining room on the ground floor. With lots of
polished concrete and bleached timber,
the design is minimalist and modern, yet
warm and friendly, and surprisingly removed
from the noise and bustle of the city.
Red Door took Hun and his business
partner, professional marketer Do Thi Diem
Trang, a year to create from conception to
opening. After three months, Red Door has
found its feet and the team is ready to make
its name.
Dau Hu Say (Drunken Tofu)
VND95,000
This dish is influenced by drunken
chicken of Chinese cuisine. Hun spent
ages experimenting with soaking the tofu
in rice wine for varying lengths of time
before he felt the balance of flavor was
just right and to ensure the right texture
when cooked. The result is silky smooth
tofu fried with a slim coating of batter and
dressed with tiny morsels of dragon fruit,
mint, peppers, fruits and minced pork. I’ve
always considered tofu a food you eat
when you don’t want to taste anything - in
other words never. But Hun’s enthusiasm
for his creation was compelling and I was
glad of the adventure. The contrasting
texture of silky and crunch combined with
that distinctive sake infusion and a hint of
spice was alluring.
Banh Duc (Duc Cake) VND115,000
Banh duc has featured on Vietnamese
family dinner tables for generations. But
“jazzed up” as Hun puts it, this version has
pumpkin and a hint of cinnamon. Served
in pairs, one cake is steamed, the other
deep fried very quickly, maintaining its soft
texture inside and not the least bit oily.
Glutinous, yet not dry or chewy. It seems
familiar, yet distinctively different.
Panna Cotta
Mains
Bo Kho (Beef Stew) VND205,000
Beef stew is really a misnomer, as this
dish is more like a beef fillet with a rich
flavorsome sauce. Described as one of
Vietnam’s first French fusion dishes, a
local take on a beef bourguignon with
Vietnamese spices. And apple. Yes, apple:
don’t be shocked, it works. The apple is
slightly sour and acts as a palate cleanser
- and a curved slice of crispy baked French
bread and a whole marinated cinnamoncoated crunchy baby carrot. A little acidic
and sour, it balances the sweet belly fat
flavor.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Goi Sen (Lotus Salad);
Cuon Chuoi (Banana Roll); Cha Oc Nuong (Snails)
and Bo Kho (Beef Stew)
“People have undervalued Vietnamese
food,” explains Hun. “We wanted to create
a nice, airy, warm ambiance serving
experiential Vietnamese food.” An Americanborn Viet Kieu, Hun studied at Harvard
University and is a qualified biochemist.
That’s where the fusion of food and science
comes into play. But don’t be deterred by
the almost scientific zeal he has for his
cuisine: it explains why some dishes on
this extraordinary and unique menu were
deconstructed and reconstructed - some for
months on end - before the recipes
were finalized. “Food is an experiment.”
The Vietnamese names on Red Door’s
menu may seem familiar, but the descriptions
quickly expose the truth. Have you ever
considered pho separated from its broth, for
example? Reinterpretation indeed. Or how
about mi hai san (seafood noodle) but made
from an udon noodle more than 1.8 meters
long and colored with squid ink - Japanese,
Italian and Vietnamese influences in a single
bowl. Hun tosses it with garlic to enhance
the flavor, then mixes it with shrimp cooked
two ways and two different sauces.
Another example is his rolls. “Each
region of Vietnam has 10 to 20 wraps. Here,
we thought ‘OK, let’s come up with three
different versions’ and we chose one each
to depict north, central and south
Vietnam.” For the north, he chose fish
with galangal, for central, morning glory
and yam with sliced pork belly, interpreting
a Royal Hue style dish “in our own way.”
For the south: steamed shrimp, pork belly
and noodles.
There is much more to the mixing
and matching than the menu reveals.
Hun’s chemistry genius makes for much
experimentation and it’s not that he wants
to keep his recipes secret, more that he
relishes challenging customers to guess
the ingredients. Few can. Another
hallmark of the restaurant is a
commitment to ensuring everything on
the plate is edible: there are no garnishes
on the dishes for decorative purposes.
Red Door’s menu will change each
month - several dishes substituted to
ensure return guests always have
something new to try.
With a menu as adventurous as Red
Door’s, we needed advice. Even to the
fussiest of eaters, the range of food here
is overwhelming. Every dish seems to
cry out ‘pick me!’ So we tried an array
of dishes, more than an average dining
couple will likely order, but it allowed
Hun to showcase his favorite creations.
Thit Kho Tau (caramelized Pork)
VND175,000
A Tet favorite all over Vietnam, thit kho
tau is pork belly slow cooked in coconut
juice, sliced and pan-fried. But they sure
don’t serve it this way - with purple yam
rice and trai coc green apple jelly. In one
bite “it seems familiar, but different,” my
Vietnamese companion marveled when
trying the dish she would spend a whole
weekend savoring just a week later at New
Year. The beef was tender, the serving
generous, and the sauce so moorish, you
wanted the bread to soak it up to ensure
none of it went to waste.
Dessert
Panna Cotta Mit (Panna Cotta
with Jackfruit) VND85,000
Vietnam meets Italy: And the result was
a divine end to a sumptuous feast. With a
creamy, super soft mouth feel, the jackfruit
adds a piquant edge Italians would never
embrace, all offset by a raspberry coulis.
Red Door is a superb dining experience,
a place where the chef’s experimentation
becomes a foodie’s adventure. The menu
may seem familiar at first glance for those
who regularly enjoy Vietnamese food, but
the execution is truly unique, mouthwatering
and will appeal to intrigued locals and expats
looking for something completely different
from the norm. A textural, gastronomic
journey of unrivaled fusion.
51
52
CHE E RS !
WINE Column
The Wine Baron
Chateau Mouton Rothschild has few peers in the
length and luster of its history
Alfredo de la Casa has been organizing wine tastings for
over 20 years, published three wine books, including the
Gourmand award winner for best wine education book.
You can reach him at www.wineinvietnam.com.
There are only five “first grows”
(considered wines of exceptional
quality) in Bordeaux, and one of them,
perhaps the more charismatic winery, is
Baron Philippe de Rothschild, in
Pauillac (Medoc).
I will never forget the first time I
tried Chateau Mouton Rothschild over
a decade ago in London. Once it was
poured I smelled it, and then I smelled it
again, and I kept doing so for the first 15
minutes. What a wonderful experience,
only to be matched when I tasted it!
Something similar happened recently
when I attended the Baron Philippe
de Rothschild dinner organized by the
Wine Warehouse at the Caravelle hotel;
however this time we enjoyed seven
wines from this fantastic producer,
complemented by great food and service
from the hotel.
The Bordeaux quality classification was
created in 1855 and since then, only one
major addition was made to this exclusive
list in 1973, and that includes the five first
grows. You have an idea of what it means
to be one of the top five. After a wine
auction at Christie’s in 2006, where a case
of Mouton Rothschild was sold for
almost USD300,000, it is now considered
the most expensive wine in the world.
But don’t despair; you can get your
hands on their wines at affordable prices.
A good example is Chateau d’Armailhac
2008, a deep red wine with an amazing
nose of dark cherries and delicate aromas
of coffee; an elegant palate that develops
red fruits, silky while full bodied. Petit
Mouton 2007 is another gorgeous wine
crafted by Baron Philippe de Rothschild:
dark red in color with some violet
highlights, the nose is full of berries and
red fruits, with an elegant silky palate,
rich and full bodied. These were just two
of the great wines presented at the dinner,
and as you can imagine, each of them
were spectacular and unique.
Baron Philippe de Rothschild also produces
several iconic wines outside of France like
Opus One (California) and Almaviva (Chile),
both awarded 95 points by Robert Parker.
So what makes a winery able to create
such wonderful wines? This was my first
question to Erwan Le Brozec, from Baron
Philippe de Rothschild, who considers not
only the particularities of terroir (soil)
important, but also the attitude and skills
of the wine maker, without forgetting the
winery’s willingness to produce quality rather
than quantity, making something exceptional
as Baron Philippe de Rothschild has been
doing year after year. For example, Mouton
Rothschild has gone from yielding over 300,000
bottles a year to just 170,000 in the last few
years because of improvements in quality,
grape selection and aging of the vines. The
result is a lesser amount of wine, but greater
quality.
Baron Philippe de Rothschild is also
internationally known for being a pioneer and in fact, back in the 1930s he created the
first wine brand with Mouton Cadet. Today
it is one of the leading wine brands with
annual global sales of over 5 million bottles
in 160 countries. The same innovative skills
have been carried forward by his descendants
and applied to quality wine making, which
now we can all enjoy in Vietnam.
53
The List
Wine & Dine
Bars
Cavern Pub
The Fan Club
Ice Blue Bar
Blanchy’s Tash
Stylish venue in one of the classier
inner-city locales, Cavern entertains
locals and expats alike with a live
band every night, sports channels
on a large TV screen, and a great
atmosphere. Happy hour is from
6pm to
9:30pm (buy 2 beers – get 1 free). Live
music is from 9.30pm-1am.
19 Dong Du, D1
090 826 5691
A small, atmospheric, emphatically English-style pub,
Ice Blue is a popular meeting place for Ho Chi Minh
City’s expats with reasonably priced drinks, friendly
staff and a cozy atmosphere. Great place to play darts.
54 Dong Khoi, D1
Also Try...
Chill Skybar
Offers the most stunning panoramic views of
Saigon and a wide range of wines and cocktails
personally prepared by Vietnam mixologist Le
Thanh Tung.
Rooftop, AB Tower, 76A Le Lai, D1
3827 2372
www.chillsaigon.com
The largest sports bar in Saigon, with
all the live sports available on 12 large
HD screens, an exciting place to watch
your team win! A great selection
of food & beverage. We also have
a enclosed relaxing garden for the
family.
The Vista, 628C Hanoi Highway, An Phu, D2
www.dtdentertainment.com
Facebook: The Fan Club
Undoubtedly the hippest, coolest nightspot in
downtown Ho Chi Minh, renowned for its cool house
music, live DJs at weekends and innovative range of
cocktails. Downstairs is a trendy bar where the glitterazi
like to be seen; rooftop an open bar with more chilled
style music. In between a new Vietnamese dining
concept.
95 Hai Ba Trung, D1
090 902 82 93
www.blanchystash.com
Saigon's king of cool, Last Call is renowned for the
finest cocktails in the mellowest of settings. Slink
your way back to the Seventies in the velvety interior
or watch over the passing crowds from the laid-back
terrace. Funky (and even sexy) to the core, this classy
establishment is fittingly close to the Sheraton.
59 Dong Du, D1
3823 3122
a function room along with a top
quality pool table and soft-tip dart
machines. A menu of Eastern and
Western dishes includes wood-fired
pizzas.
70-72 Ng Duc Ke, D1
2229 7017
The Observatory
Purple Jade
Saigon Saigon Bar
Lively and cosmopolitan, Purple Jade
is a must on any nightlife agenda.
The lounge offers an innovative
menu of tasty snacks and signature
cocktails in a sleek and chic aesthetic
to complement the chilled-out vibe.
1st floor – InterContinental Asiana
Saigon
3520 9099
6pm until late
dine@icasianasaigon.com
This iconic bar is a great place to
watch the sun go down over the
lights of the city and relax with
friends. Live entertainment nightly,
including their resident Cuban band,
Q’vans from 9pm Wednesday to
Monday.
Rooftop, 9th floor,
19-23 Lam Son Square, D1
3823 4999
11am till late
caravellehotel.com
Monkey Bar
onTop Bar
54
Last Call
views over Saigon from an expansive
outdoor terrace. The venue offers a
menu with over 20 cheeses, cured
meats and both Vietnamese and
international-inspired tapas.
167 Hai Ba Trung, D3
3822 4866
Opened in July 2013, Game On is one of Saigon’s
biggest sports bar, serving breakfast, lunch and
dinner. The bar also has an extensive drinks
menu including coffees, juices, beers, wines,
vodkas, and more. Game On also boasts a
function room for corporate meetings or private
parties.
115 Ho Tung Mau, D1
6251 9898
gameonsaigon@gmail.com
A new open air, but well cooled bar in the heart
of Bui Vien on the site of the once popular Stellar
cafe. A cut above the regular backpacker haunts
in style and offer. Downstairs is a modern bar
At this laid back venue, tourists and locals alike can
sit around Chu’s large oval bar or on luxurious padded
benched. It has a full cocktail menu as well as a short
menu of snacks and sandwiches.
158 Dong Khoi, D1
with flat screen TVs showing sports,
a huge circular bar and tables, and
outdoor seating for people watching.
Upstairs are air conditioned rooms,
pool table and outdoor deck. Serves
a wide variety of liquors, including
wines by the glass or bottle.
119 Bui Vien, D1
In just a year, this funky, cosy bar
and gallery set in a French villa has
become the centre of the city’s
underground dance music culture.
Downstairs is a cosy bar serving
cocktails, beer and wines, upstairs
a gallery space and a separate
dance venue with regular guest
appearances from DJs from Asia and
beyond. Open daily from 6pm til late
(5am close Saturday and Sunday
mornings).
5 Nguyen Tat Thanh, D4
www.theobservatory-hcmc.com
Game On
Chu Bar
Located on the 20th floor of Novotel
Saigon Center, onTop Bar provides
Red Bar
RED offers one of the longest Happy
Hours in Saigon, from 9am - 9pm,
with live music available from
Monday-Saturday. This multi-level
bar has a non-smoking floor and
Cafés
Hatvala
This teahouse, coffee
shop and restaurant
offers selected, quality
Vietnamese tea and
coffee to drink or buy as
leaves and beans. They also have a delightful all-day
casual dining area in a stylish bistro.
44 Nguyen Hue, D1
3824 1534
8am - 11pm
hatvalavietnam@gmail.com
www.hatvala.com
facebook.com/hatvala
Guanabana Smoothies
This Californian
smoothie bar specializes
in healthy all-natural
smoothies using fresh
fruits and vegetables
from locally-sourced farms, with no condensed milk
or artificial sweeteners added. Their smoothies can be
enhanced with nutritional supplements such as green
superfood, whey protein, and spirulina.
Best sellers include their Special Blends and veggie
smoothies. Fresh roasted coffee, hot panini’s and
pastries are also available, along with speedy Wi-Fi.
23 Ly Tu Trong, Q1
0909 824 830
www.guanabanasmoothies.com
Café RuNam
No disappointments from this earnest local cafe
consistently serving exceptional international standard
coffee. Beautifully-styled and focussed on an attention
to quality, Cafe RuNam is now embarking on the road
to becoming a successful franchise. The venue's first
floor is particularly enchanting in the late evening.
96 Mac Thi Buoi, D1
3825 8883
www.caferunam.com
The Library
The Library recaptures the romance of a bygone era
while offering an all-day snack menu as well as the
finest tea, coffee, wine and spirits in an elegant setting.
Ground floor – InterContinental Asiana Saigon
7am - 12am
3520 9099
dine@icasianasaigon.com
Also Try...
AQ Coffee
Pleasing colonial-style café permanently
filled with the aroma of fresh coffee
roasted with traditional methods, with
a shady courtyard and quiet, peaceful
atmosphere. Situated in one of the city’s
oldest mansions.
32 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3
3829 8344
Caffe Bene
A brand new cafe in the heart of District
1, marking the debut of a Korean coffee
and dessert concept in Vietnam. When
it opened queues stretched out the
door with locals and expats alike eager
to try the unique offer of European
style coffee, blended drinks and sweet,
creamy dessert and cakes. Modern,
industrial designed interior spanning
two floors, and with a corner site street
frontage which cannot be missed!
58 Dong Khoi, D1
3822 4012
caffebenevietnam.com
Ciao Café
There's rarely a tourist who's been
through inner-city Saigon and hasn't
stopped in on the super-friendly-looking
Ciao Café. It stands up well as an expat
mainstay too, with its fashionable décor
that varies from floor to floor and its
classic selection of Western cafe and
bistro favorites.
74-76 Nguyen Hue, D1
3823 1130
L’Usine
L’Usine is a retail, café and gallery
space occupying two locations in the
center of D1. Its retail space is dedicated
to Vietnamese designers and more
established brands from abroad as well
as stocking a wide range of stationery
and homeware items. The café in both
locations serves international fare and a
range of pastries and the ever-popular
sweet & sour cupcakes.
151/1 Dong Khoi, D1
70B Le Loi, D1
www.lusinespace.tumblr.com
9am – 9pm
LightBox Cafe
This stunningly designed cafe also
doubles as an event and photography
studio, so make sure you dress to
impress at this location because you
never know who might snap your
picture. They also serve vegetarian
cuisine with prices ranging between
VND300,000 - VND500,000
179 Hoa Lan, Phu Nhuan
3517 6668
www.lightbox.vn
Vecchio Cafe
A self-styled Little Italy that does a good
job of looking the part, this venue’s
interior features ornate Italian décor, dim
lighting, and antique furniture enhanced
by Italian music. Offerings include fine
meals, delicious gelato and beverages.
39/3 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3
6683 8618
The Workshop
A great find, this New York loft-style
venue is hidden away up a couple of
flights of stairs and well worth seeking
out. Spacious and airy with lots of
natural light, the central coffee bar offers
an exquisite gourmet selection. Superb
for setting up your laptop and getting
some work done over great coffee.
27 Ngo Duc Ke, D1
3824 6801 / 3824 6802
7am-8pm
55
CHINESE
Dragon Court
The well-heeled Chinese certainly go for luxury and
this venue has it in spades. Situated in a classy location
just opposite the Opera House, Dragon Court features
a broad selection of dishes from across the spectrum
of mainland cuisines, making this an ideal a-la-carte
venue as well as the perfect spot for Dim Sum.
11-13 Lam Son Square, D1
3827 2566
Li Bai
Thoroughly traditional Chinese venue at the Sheraton
Hotel and Towers offering choice oriental delicacies
against a backdrop of fine Chinese art. This opulent
venue, open throughout the day, is one of the city’s
more beautiful restaurants in this category.
Level 2, 88 Dong Khoi, D1
3827 2828
www.libaisaigon.com
Dynasty
Kabin
New World's own slice of Canton with a particularly fine
Dim Sum selection, Dynasty is a traditional lavishlystyled Chinese venue with flawless design. Authenticity
and a sense of old-world China make this one of
Saigon's more refined options for the cuisine. A number
of private rooms are available.
New World Hotel
76 Le Lai, D1
3822 8888
www.saigon.newworldhotels.com
Dine Cantonese-style by the river at the Renaissance
Riverside’s own Chinese venue decked out with
flourishes reminiscent of classical Qing period tastes.
Kabin’s cuisine is known for presenting new takes on
traditional dishes as well as for its more exotic fare.
Renaissance Riverside Hotel,
8-15 Ton Duc Thang, D1
3822 0033
Ming Court
Ming Dynasty
The best in Chinese cuisine with a unique Taiwanese
focus in a Japanese hotel, Ming Court is classy in
its precision and graceful without compromise. It’s
certainly one of the city’s most impressive venues for
fans of the cuisine, and nothing is left to chance with
the venue’s signature exemplary service standards.
3rd floor, Nikko Saigon Hotel
235 Nguyen Van Cu, D1
3925 7777
Ming Dynasty serves authentic Chinese food in
a setting reminiscent of an old Chinese palace.
Specialties include dim sum, abalone and dishes from
Guangdong.
23 Nguyen Khac Vien, D7
Also Try...
Hung Ky Mi Gia
An old mainstay on the Chinese
cuisine trail with well over a decade in
operation, Hung Ky Mi Gia is known
for its classic mainland dishes with a
focus on delicious roasts. Safe and
tasty Chinese food.
20 Le Anh Xuan, D1
3822 2673
Ocean Palace
A place for those who love Chinese
food. The large dining room on the
ground floor can accommodate up to
280 diners. Up on the first floor are
six private rooms and a big ballroom
56
that can host 350 guests.
2 Le Duan Street, D1
3911 8822
Seven Wonders (Bay Ky Quan)
The brainchild of an overseas
Chinese/Vietnamese architect
who wanted to build something
extraordinary in his home town, this
venue combines the architectural
features of seven world heritage
structures blended into one. The
cuisine is just as eclectic with
representative dishes from several
major Chinese traditions.
12 Duong 26, D6
3755 1577
www.7kyquan.com
Shang Palace
Renowned as one of the finest
restaurants in the city, Shang Palace
boasts mouth-watering Cantonese
and Hong Kong cuisine served in
a warm and elegant atmosphere.
Whether it be an intimate dinner for
two or a larger group event, Shang
Palace can cater for three-hundred
guests including private VIP rooms.
With more than fifty Dim-Sum items
and over two-hundred delectable
dishes to choose from, Shang Palace
is an ideal rendezvous for any dining
occasion.
1st Floor, Norfolk Mansion
17-19-21, Ly Tu Trong, D1
3823 2221
Yu Chu
Yu Chu is renowned for the quality and
presentation of its authentic Cantonese
and Peking cuisines along with its
elegant décor. Watching the chefs
prepare signature dishes such as handpulled noodle, Dim Sum and Peking
Duck right in the kitchen is a prominent,
popular feature.
First floor, InterContinental Asiana
Saigon (Corner of Hai Ba Trung & Le
Duan)
3520 9099
www.intercontinental.com/saigon
SPANISH
Tapas Saigon
La Habana
Tasty tapas at Vietnamese prices not far from the
center of District 1. Fresh ingredients, broad menu with
food prepared by a Spanish chef. Best washed down
with authentic house sangria.
53/26B Tran Khanh Du, D1
090 930 0803
Cuban venue with fine Spanish cuisine, Cuban cigars
and German beer. A wide range of tapas and cocktails.
Great bar atmosphere and late night entertainment.
6 Cao Ba Quat, D1
www.lahabana-saigon.com
VIVA! Tapas Bar & Grill
Pacharan
VIVA! Tapas Bar & Grill only uses
the freshest ingredients, many
imported from Spain, for the
most authentic tapas experience
in Saigon, starting from under
VND50,000/plate. Cool décor, indoors and outdoors
eating areas, a well stocked bar, and great wines from
VND60,000/glass (sangria just VND130,000 per
HALF liter). Delivery available.
90 Cao Trieu Phat, Phu My Hung, D7, HCMC
08 5410 6721
Facebook: “VIVATapasBar.PMH”
Olé
With all the warmth you’d expect from a decent venue
in this category, Olé serves authentic and tasty Spanish
favorites with great tapas and highly-recommended
paella. Family-run venue with a passion for great food
and good service without undue fuss. Feel at home.
129B Le Thanh Ton, D1
012 6529 1711
Ho Chi Minh City's original Spanish restaurant,
Pacharan occupies a high profile corner spot on Hai Ba
Trung. Spread over four floors, it offers a casual bar, two
floors of dining (one which becomes a destination for
live Spanish music late at night) and a rooftop terrace.
Features an extensive menu of tapas, main courses,
sangria and wines.
97 Hai Ba Trung Street, D1
090 399 25 39
Baba's Kitchen
164 Bui Vien, District 1
49D Xa Lo Hanoi, District 2
Phone: 083-838-6661 & 083-838-6662
Open 11am to 11pm
North & South Indian food
Halal & vegetarian dishes
Of course we can cater!
order online at vietnammm.com & eat.vn
"Baba brings India to Vietnam"
FRENCH
Augustin
La Creperie
La Fourchette
The first authentic Breton French restaurant in the
country, serving savory galettes, sweet crepes with
tasty seafood and some of the best apple cider in
Saigon.
17/7 Le Thanh Ton, D1
3824 7070
infosgn@lacreperie.com.cn
11am-11pm
Small and cozy, La Fourchette is a favorite among the
French expat community. The vintage posters and
wood paneling add to the charm of this French eatery
located right in downtown, a stone’s throw from the
Saigon River.
9 Ngo Duc Ke, D1
3829 8143
www.lafourchette.com.vn
Le Bacoulos
Le Jardin
Ty Coz
Augustin is a romantic and charming French restaurant
located just steps away from the Rex Hotel. Serves
lunches and dinners and offers 10 percent discount on
a la carte menu items.
10D Nguyen Thiep, D1
www.augustinrestaurant.com
Le Bacoulos is a French restaurant, bar and lounge that
serves French cuisine, bar food like burgers, fish and
chips alongside vegetarian options like spinach soup
and Greek salad. There’s also a garden to unwind in
with a glass of wine or enjoy a game of pool.
13 Tong Huu Dinh, D2
3519 4058
www.bacoulos.com
A gorgeous enclosed garden space that allows eaters
to follow the example of the French colonists of a
century ago and pretend they're actually in Paris.
Whether dining outside under the shaded terrace or
within the old, warmly-lit villa, the cuisine, decor, and
general mood of the place is like a Stargate direct to
France.
31D Thai Van Lung, D1
3825 8465
Also Try...
L'essentiel
L’essentiel offers a quiet intimate
dining experience with space for private
functions and alfresco dining on an upper
floor. The food is fresh, traditional French,
and the wine list is carefully collated.
98 Ho Tung Mau, D1
0948 415 646
La Cuisine
A cosy restaurant just outside the
main eating strip on Le Thanh Ton, La
Cuisine offers quality French food in
an upmarket but not overly expensive
setting. Suitable for special occasions
or business dinners to impress. Regular
diners recommend the filet of beef.
48 Le Thanh Ton
2229 8882
La Nicoise
A traditional ‘neighbourhood’ French
restaurant, La Nicoise serves simple,
filling French fare at exceptional value
in the shadow of the Bitexco tower.
Most popular for its steak dishes, the
restaurant has an extensive menu which
belies its compact size.
56 Ngo Duc Ke, D1
3821 3056
58
La Villa
Housed in a stunning white French
villa that was originally built as a private
house, La Villa features outdoor tables
dotted around a swimming pool and a
more formal dining room inside. Superb
cuisine, with staff trained as they would
be in France. Bookings are advised,
especially on Friday and Saturday
evenings.
14 Ngo Quang Huy, D2
3898 2082
www.lavilla-restaurant.com.vn
Le Bouchon de Saigon
Delightful, welcoming French bistro that
really puts on a show of fine quality
and service. With its small-village
atmosphere and exotic cuisine, this is
one of the more atmospheric and highaiming venues of the genre.
40 Thai Van Lung, D1
www.lebouchondesaigon.com
Trois Gourmands
Opened in 2004 and regarded as one
of the finest French restaurants in town.
Owner Gils, a French native, makes his
own cheeses as well.
18 Tong Huu Dinh, D2
3744 4585
This unassuming restaurant is located down an
alley and up three flights of stairs. The charming
French owner/chef will happily run through the entire
menu in details and offer his recommendations. An
accompanying wine list includes a wide range of
choices.
178/4 Pasteur, D1
www.tycozsaigon.com
INDIAN
Bollywood
Known for its complete North & South Indian cuisine,
Bollywood’s specialty is its special chaat & tandoori
dishes. Parties, events & catering services are available,
with daily lunch tiffin and set menus. Free delivery in
Phu My Hung. Complete menu on Facebook.
2213 1481 | 2245 0096 | 093 806 9433
Hotline: 0906357442 (English)
bollywoodvietnam@gmail.com
Facebook: bollywoodvietnamindiancuisine
Baba’s Kitchen
Ganesh
Ashoka
Saigon Indian
One of Saigon’s best-loved Indian venues, Baba’s
is dedicated to authenticity in its cuisine and fair
prices. Tell them exactly what spice level you want
and they’ll cater to your tastes – from the mildest of
butter chickens to the most volcanic vindaloo. Always
friendly.
164 Bui Vien, D1
49D Xa Lo Hanoi, D2
3838 6661
A small chain of slightly more upscale Indian
restaurants serving both Northern and Southern Indian
cuisine including curries, naan and tandooris.
Ashoka I
17/10 Le Thanh Ton, D1
08 3823 1372
Ashoka II
33 Tong Huu Dinh, Thao Dien, D2
08 3744 4144
Ganesh serves authentic northern Indian tandooris and
rotis along with the hottest curries, dovas and vada
from the southern region.
38 Hai Ba Trung, D1
8223 0173
www.ganeshindianrestaurant.com
Saigon’s original Indian eatery is still going strong,
located in a bright, roomy upstairs venue in the heart of
District 1. Authentic Indian cuisine at affordable prices;
functions a specialty.
1st Floor, 73 Mac Thi Buoi, D1
Also Try...
Bombay Indian Restaurant
With its nice, central location and a very
relaxed dining area and home-style
atmosphere, Bombay is a superbly
casual venue well-reputed for its
authentic Indian cuisine and Halal
cooking.
250 Bui Vien, D1,
9am - 10.30pm
Curry Leaf
A new restaurant in District 7,
specialising in southern and northern
Indian cuisine, which grew from the
now closed Indus of D1. Fish, meat and
vegetable dishes are cooked fresh
in tandoor ovens with a commitment
to authenticity. Boasts 20 different
breads baked daily and six home made
chutneys.
62 Hung Gia 5, D7
curryleafvietnam.com
The Punjabi
Best known for its excellent tandoori
cooking executed in a specialized,
custom-built oven, Punjabi serves the
best of genuine North Indian cuisine
in a venue well within the backpacker
enclave, ensuring forgiving menu prices.
40/3 Bui Vien, D1
3508 3777
59
Italian
Ciao Bella
Oi’s Pick
Hearty homestyle
Italian food served
with flair and excellent
service. An extensive menu is complemented with daily
specials. Arriving guests are greeted with a free glass
of Prosecco. Diners sit in a cozy setting upstairs or on
the ground floor for people-watching. Big groups should
book in advance.
11 Dong Du, D1
3822 3329
tonyfox56@hotmail.com
www. saigonrestaurant
group.com/ciao
La Bettola
Chef/owner Giuseppe
Amorello combines sleek
decor with traditional
home cooking in this
two-story centrallylocated Italian eatery. Expect creative dishes such as
rucola e Gamberi as well as La Bettola that includes
shaved porchetta, focaccia and homemade mozzarella.
There’s a wood-burning oven on the premises and they
try to hand-make all their ingredients. They also deliver.
84 Ho Tung Mau, D1
3914 4402
www.labettolasaigon.com
La Hostaria
La Cucina
La Cucina has opened on Crescent Promenade in
Phu My Hung, with an open-plan kitchen that can
accommodate 180 diners. Enjoy top-end dining
featuring the best of Italian cuisine and a wide selection
of imported seafood, prepared from the freshest
ingredients, in a relaxed, rustic atmosphere with a
wood-fired pizza oven at its heart.
Block 07-08 CR1-07, 103 Ton Dat Tien, D7
5413 7932
Designed with an intimate atmosphere invoking
something like an Italian town, this venue focuses
on traditional ethnic Italian cuisine (rather than the
ubiquitous pizza and pasta), creations of the skillful
executive chef – straight out of Venice. The place lights
up on romantic Thursday evenings with candlelight and
light music.
17B Le Thanh Ton, D1
3823 1080
www.lahostaria.com
Also Try...
Casa Italia
Filling, hearty Italian fare served with a
smile in the heart of District 1. Authentic
pizza and a comprehensive range of
pasta, pork, chicken and beef dishes offers
something for everyone. Located a stone’s
throw from Ben Thanh Market.
86 Le Loi, D1
3824 4286
Pendolasco
One of the original Italian eateries in
Ho Chi Minh City, Pendolasco recently
reinvented itself with a new chef and
menu, and spurned a sister eatery in
District 2. Set off the street in a peaceful
garden with indoor and outdoor eating
areas, separate bar and function area, it
offers a wide-ranging Italian menu and
monthly movie nights.
87 Nguyen Hue, D1
3821 8181
60
Pizza 4P’s
It’s too late to call this Saigon’s best-kept
secret: the word is out. Wander up to the
end of its little hem off Le Thanh Ton for
the most unique pizza experience in the
entire country – sublime Italian pizza pies
with a Japanese twist. Toppings like you
wouldn’t imagine and a venue you’ll be
glad you took the time to seek out.
8/15 Le Thanh Ton, D1
012 0789 4444
www.pizza4ps.com
Pomodoro
Often unfairly mistaken as a purely tourist
dining destination, Pomodoro offers an
extensive range of Italian fare, especially
seafood and beef dishes. The dining area
is in a distinctively curved brick ‘tunnel’
opening into a large room at the rear,
making it ideal for couples or groups.
79 Hai Ba Trung
3823 8998
Da Vinci’s
Da Vinci’s is an Italian-American style pizzeria delivery
offering pizzas, lasagna, spaghetti, calzones, salads and
desserts. Their full menu is online at davincisvietnam.
com. Free delivery to Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and Phu My
Hung. Open 11am - 10pm.
Call 083 943 4982 or
SMS your order to 093 328 4624
Opera
The luxury Park Hyatt Saigon is home to Opera, an
authentic Italian dining experience open for breakfast,
lunch and dinner. Try their famous lasagna and tiramisu.
Head chef Marco Torre learned his craft in a number of
Michelin-star restaurants throughout different regions
of Italy during a 14 year career. Dine on the deck
alfresco or inside in air conditioned comfort.
2 Lam Son Square, D1
Japanese
Blanchy Street
Oi’s Pick
Inspired by London’s worldfamous Nobu Restaurant,
Blanchy Street’s Japanese/
South American fusion cuisine
represents modern dining at
its best in the heart of downtown, a truly international
dining experience in a trendy, modern and friendly
setting. Great sake and wine selection.
74/3 Hai Ba Trung, D1
3823 8793
www.blanchystreet.com
11am - 10:30pm
Ebisu
Serving neither sushi nor sashimi, Ebisu’s menu instead
focuses on a range of wholesome charcoal-grilled
meals and on thick, white Japanese udon noodles –
made from imported udon powder from Australia – and
presenting an overall rustic cuisine with a variety of
good sakes.
35bis Mac Dinh Chi, D1
3822 6971
ductm@incubation-vn.com
www.ebisu-vn.asia
Achaya Café
Monde
Achaya Cafe has two floors providing a nice
atmosphere for meetings, relaxation or parties. The
menu is extensive with drinks and Western, Japanese,
and Vietnamese food – from sandwiches, spaghetties,
pizzas, steak and special Japanese sweet desserts.
90 Le Loi, D1
093 897 2050
11am - 10:30pm
A Japanese whisky bar and grill
serving some of the best Kobe beef in
the city. The menu is Japanese with a
European twist. The venue is celebrity
bartender Hasegawa Harumasa’s
first foray into Vietnam, styled after
his flagship operation on Ginza’s
fashionable whisky bar district in the
heart of Tokyo.
7 bis Han Thuyen, D1
Gyumaru
Ichiban Sushi
Gyumaru is a quintessentially minimalist Japanese
dining experience rotating around the style of meat
meal Westerners would be quick to link to a gourmet
burger, but without the bread. Fresh, healthy, innovative
cuisine in a relaxed, cozy environment and regular
specials including quality steaks.
8/3 Le Thanh Ton
3827 1618
gyumaru.LTT@gmail.com
Ichiban Sushi Vietnam serves fine sushi and signature
drinks/cocktails in a lounge setting. Featuring one
of the most eclectic Japanese menus in the city. The
current Japanese venue to see and be seen in –
everyone who’s anyone is there.
204 Le Lai, D1
www.ichibansushi.vn
Also Try...
K Cafe
One of the larger Japanese restaurants
in the city, this exemplary sushi venue is
an ideal choice for business and friendly
gatherings.
74A4 Hai Ba Trung, D1
38245355
www.yakatabune-saigon.com
Chiisana Hashi
Serves authentic Japanese cuisine
including sashimi, sushi, tempura,
sukiyaki and shabu shabu.
River Garden, 170 Nguyen Van Huong,
D2
6683 5308
Osaka Ramen
This sleek, open-kitchen contemporary
eatery serves up Japanese noodles
starting from VND78,000. There are also
set menus, individual dishes and a range
of smaller, appetizing sides.
SD04, LO H29-2, My Phat Residential
Complex, D7
Robata Dining An
The restaurant has a downstairs bar
and a second floor with private rooms
that have sunken tables, sliding fusuma
doors and tabletop barbecues. Popular
with the Japanese expats, the menu
serves up healthy appetizers, rolls,
sashimi and An specialty dishes like
deep fried chicken with garlic salt sauce
An style.
15C Le Thanh Ton, D1
www.robata-an.com
Sushi Dining Aoi
Sushi Dining Aoi is one such restaurant,
where the whole atmosphere of the
place evokes the best of the culture.
With its typical Japanese-style decor
– the smooth earthen tones of the
wooden furniture and surrounds, the
warmth and privacy of the VIP rooms –
it's possible to believe you're in a more
elegant realm.
53-55 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, D3
3930 0039
www.sushidiningaoi.com
Yoshino
The decor is straight out of the set of
Shogun, with black wood, tatami mats,
stencilled cherry blossoms and all
the trappings of Japanese exoticism
– tastefully done. While Ho Chi Minh
City is certainly not short of fine
Japanese eateries, this one is particularly
impressive.
2A-4A Ton Duc Thang, D1
3823 3333
61
Korean
Galbi Brothers
Kang Nam Ga
Superb casual BBQ venue focusing on every
foreigner’s favorite K-dish: galbi. Home of the only allyou-can-eat Korean BBQ in Saigon, GB is distinguished
by its inexpensive lunch sets and unabashed
enthusiasm for Korean spirits.
R1–25 Hung Phuoc 4, Pham Van Nghi – Bac, D7
5410 6210
An exceptionally refined style of Korean BBQ fit out
with high-tech smokeless racks, Kang Nam Ga is fast
becoming the Korean go-to venue for a wide-ranging
and clean introduction to the cuisine. Delicious beef
sets and the infamous and eminently popular ginseng
chicken soup – all Kangnam style.
6B Le Quy Don, D3
3933 3589
kangnamga@gmail.com
Seoul House
Won’s Cuisine
Long-standing venue serving Korean delicacies in this
city for many years, Seoul House is simple on décor
and strong on taste. Specializes mainly in Korean
hotpot and grills.
33 Mac Thi Buoi, D1
3829 4297
Lee Cho
The venue may be upscale, but the service and feel of
this local-style Korean restaurant is very much downto-earth. Enjoy the pleasure of casual outdoor streetstyle Korean dining without worrying about the proper
decorum for an international venue. Great Korean
dishes at good rates.
48 Hung Phuoc 2, D7
5410 1086
One of the city’s most important Korean venues – not
for reasons of authenticity, but rather for straying from
the norms. The restaurant’s proprietress has infused
so much of her own quirky tastes into the menu she’s
completely ignored the conventions of the cuisine,
making Won’s a unique creation with an unforgettable
taste.
49 Mac Thi Buoi
3820 4085
THAI
Baan Thai
Stylish modern restaurant with a
superb bar, Baan Thai serves authentic
Thai cuisine with additional local
and European twists. Friendly venue
with large screen TVs for casual
entertainment.
55 Thao Dien, D2
3744 5453
www.baanthai-anphu.com
Koh Thai
Supremely chic Thai venue with all the
authentic burn you need – or without
if you prefer. An opulent, fashionable
decor with the cuisine to match – often
reported to serve dishes comparable
with those of Thailand itself.
Kumho Link, Hai Ba Trung, D1
3823 4423
Lac Thai
Hidden away down a narrow alley in
the heart of downtown this unique Thai
restaurant boasts authentic flavours and
surprising character. Eat downstairs at
tables in a cosy, themed environment
- or be brave and climb the narrow
62
spiral staircase to the attic and crouch
on cushions in true Thai style while
attentive staff serve plates to share.
71/2 Mac Thi Buoi St. D1
3823 7506
Tuk Tuk Thai Bistro
Kitch and authentic, Tuk Tuk brings
the pleasure of street-style Thai food
into an elegant but friendly setting.
Now a fashionable venue in its own
right, Tuk Tuk’s menu features some
unique dishes and drinks you won’t see
elsewhere.
17/11 Le Thanh Ton, D1
3521 8513/ 090 688 6180
The Racha Room
Brand new fine & funky Thai venue with
kooky styling and a great attitude – and
some of the most finely-presented
signature Thai cuisine you’ll see in
this city, much of it authentically spicy.
Long Live the King! Reservations
recommended.
12-14 Mac Thi Buoi, D1
090 879 14 12
Steakhouse
Au Lac Do Brazil
Au Lac do Brazil is the very first authentic Brazilian
Churrascaria in Vietnam, bringing a new dining concept
- an “All you can eat” Brazilian style BBQ where meat
is brought to your table on skewers by a passador and
served to your heart’s content.
238 Pasteur, D3
3820 7157 | 090 947 8698
www.aulacdobrazil.com
El Gaucho
Indaba
New York Steakhouse
Samba Brazilian Steakhouse
High end steakhouse with fine American and Wagyu
beef steaks along with traditional Argentinian
specialties. Outlets in Hanoi and Bangkok too. Expect
to pay for the quality. Reservations recommended.
74/1 Hai Ba Trung, Ben Nghe Ward, D1.
5D Nguyen Sieu, D1
Unit CR1-12, The Crescent, Phu My Hung, D7
www.elgaucho.asia
Indaba Steakhouse combines German style steak and
Italian coffee under one roof. Expect fusion dishes
like Indaba Spring Rolls, Mexican BBQ Spare Ribs,
and Grilled Duck Breast served with sesame sauce,
steamed rice and salad.
35 Ly Tu Trong, D1
3824 8280
www.facebook.com/indabacafe
New York Steakhouse is definitely in the upmarket
category and serves exclusive American imported beef
dishes, with a whole range of steaks from rib eye, New
York strip steak and tenderloin being popular options.
25-27 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1
Serving the popular Brazilian buffet style, where
enormous skewers of meat are circulated around the
tables for diners to enjoy as much of as they can.
10C Thai Van Lung, D1
3822 0079
A haven of antique
treasures and
collectibles from all
corners of the globe.
Enjoy an opulent
high tea or lunch and
dessert as you catch
up with friends over a
pot of luxurious
T WG tea.
Villa Royale
A: 8 DANG HUU PHO ST, THAO DIEN, D2
H: Tuesday to Sundays 10am – 5pm
E: villaroyaletreasures.com
T: 08 3744 4897
63
Vietnamese
Com Nieu
Frangipani Hoa Su
Quan Na - Vegishouse
Famous for its inclusion in the Anthony Bourdain No
Reservations program, the venue is best known for its
theatrics. Every bowl of rice is served in a terracotta
bowl that is unceremoniously shattered upon serving.
Unforgettable local food in a very pleasant traditionallystyled venue.
59 Ho Xuan Huong, D3
3932 6363
comnieusaigon27@yahoo.com
comnieusaigon.com.vn
Frangipani Hoa Su offers Vietnamese cuisine with
a variety of dishes from different parts of Vietnam
ranging from pho, bun bo Hue to mi quang. It serves
breakfast, lunch and dinner. It also has an open space
and a VIP air-conditioned room together which can
hold a maximum capacity of 500 people, making it an
ideal venue for different types of events and functions.
26 Le Van Mien, D2
frangipani.restobar@gmail.com
A Vietnamese vegetarian and vegan restaurant that
uses the freshest ingredients to create dishes such
as fresh spring rolls, sticky rice, curry specialties and
coconut-based desserts. Decor is swathed in dark
mahogany wood and red curtains.
796/7 Truong Sa, Ward 14, D3
Opening time: 10:30am-2pm; 5pm-9pm
9526 2958
Facebook: quanna.vegishouse
Quan Bui
Hoa Tuc
Papaya
Leafy green roof garden, upmarket restaurant with
reasonable prices and a wide menu of choices. Open
style kitchen advertises its cleanliness. Designer interior
with spotlighted artwork and beautiful cushions give
an oriental luxurious feeling – augmented by dishes
served on earthenware crockery.
17a Ngo Van Nam, D1
3829 1515
Relaxing, airy indoor-outdoor venue serving gourmetstyle local food. The ideal place to take visitors from
abroad if you want to impress them with an authentic
Vietnamese dining experience. Set in the refinery
courtyard that formerly officially produced the region’s
opium.
74/7 Hai Ba Trung, D1
3825 1676
Brightly-styled and perfectly lovely, this is a minimalist
local venue with international appeal that features a
menu designed by the former head chef of Hanoi’s
Sofitel Metropole. Refined and distinguished without a
hint of being stuck-up about it and very affordable.
68 Pham Viet Chanh, Binh Thanh
6258 1508
papaya@chi-nghia.com
www.chi-nghia.com
Also Try...
3T Quan Nuong
Tasty BBQ venue situated above Temple
Bar. The venue has a traditional, rustic
theme with old-style furniture and a quaint
Vietnamese decor, making this a nicely
atmospheric restaurant and a great place
to dine with international friends new to
the cuisine. The menu features a number
of local favorites.
Top Floor, 29 Ton That Hiep, D1
3821 1631
Banh Xeo 46A
Fun Vietnamese-style creperie popular
with locals and expats alike for its tasty,
healthy prawn pancakes, along with a
number of other traditional dishes.
46A Dinh Cong Trang, D1
Cha Ca La Vong
If you do only one thing, you'd better do it
well – and this venue does precisely that,
serving only traditional Hanoian Cha Ca
salads stir-fried with fish and spring onion.
Delicious.
36 Ton That Thiep, D1
Cuc Gach Quan
Deservedly one of the highest ranking
Vietnamese restaurants in Saigon on
64
Trip Advisor, this delightful restaurant
serves up traditional, country-style foods
and contemporary alternatives in two
character-filled wooden houses located
on opposite sides of the street from each
other. Unique food in a unique setting and
an unbelievably large menu.
10 Dang Tat, D1
3848 0144
Highway 4
The menu reflects the ambiance of the
north and wider Vietnam, although dishes
are carefully selected to meet a more
universal palate.
101 Vo Van Tan, D3
www.highway4.com
Hum
Hum is a vegetarian restaurant where
food are prepared on site from various
fresh beans, nuts, vegetables, flowers,
and fruits. Food are complemented with
special drinks mixed from fresh fruits
and vegetables.
2 Thi Sach, D1
3823 8920
www.hum-vegetarian.vn
May
Fine Vietnamese fare served in a
character-filled three-story rustic villa
located up a narrow alley, off the beaten
track. Watch the chefs prepare authentic
food from a varied menu in an open
kitchen.
3/5 Hoang Sa
3910 1277
Temple Club
Named after the old-style Chinese
temple in which the venue is located,
the ancient stylings of this impressive
restaurant make for an unforgettable
evening spent somewhere in Saigon’s
colonial past. Beautiful oriental art that
will please all diners and great local
cuisine.
29-31 Ton That Thiep, D1
3829 9244
templeclub.com.vn
Nha Hang Ngon
Possibly the best-known Vietnamese
restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, Nha
Hang Ngon serves up hundreds of
traditional local dishes in a classy
French-style mansion.
160 Pasteur, D1
3827 7131
www.quananngon.com.vn
8am - 10pm
Thanh Nien
A favorite with tourists and locals for
many years, Thanh Nien behind the
Diamond Plaza is a buffet in a home
setting, with a-la-carte dining available
in the leafy garden outdoors. Relaxing,
beautiful place to eat.
11 Nguyen Van Chiem, D1
3822 5909
www.vnnavi.com/restaurants/
thanhnien
Propaganda Bistro
Spring rolls and Vietnamese street food
with a Western twist. Serves breakfast,
lunch and dinner. The restaurant
features hand-painted wall murals in an
authentic propaganda style.
21 Han Thuyen, D1
3822 9048
www.facebook.com/PropagandaSaigon
International
Au Parc
Boathouse
Portofino
One of the city’s more charming international bistros in
a perfect tree-lined inner-city location. Au Parc serves
Mediterranean cuisine with local flourishes in a venue
lightly set off by plush seating and heady exotic styling.
A beautiful dining area and extraordinary menu will see
this becoming one of the mainstays in your restaurant
cycle.
23 Han Thuyen, D1
3829 2772
With a great view of the Saigon River, this restobar
serves imported steak, healthy salads and much more
in an alfresco environment.
40 Lily Road, An Phu Superior Compound, D2
3744 6790
www.boathouse.com.vn
Saffron
TnT BBQ
Zombie BBQ
TnT BBQ delivers authentic
American BBQ right to your
doorstep. This delivery only BBQ
joint specializes in smoked ribs, chicken, beef brisket,
pulled pork and turkey breast.
0166 666 7858
11am – 10pm
facebook.com/tntbbqvietnam
Zombie BBQ is a modern American BBQ
restaurant featuring smoked ribs over
Beachwood smoke for 8 hours. Offerings
include BBQ chicken specialties from
around the world as well as Alligator,
Fresh Jalapeño poppers, Mexican street
tacos with grilled meats as well as Vegetarian food. A
never ending parade of meats find their way into the
spit roaster as well as new creations every week.
4 Thao Dien, D2
6685 3756 / 09 1851 0139
4pm - 11pm
Facebook: ZombieBarbequesaigon
The first thing that will strike you when you enter
Saffron is the terracotta pots mounted on the
ceiling. Located on Dong Du, this restaurant offers
Mediterranean food, some with a distinct Asian
influence added for further uniqueness. Prepare to
order plates to share and don’t miss the signature
Cheese Saganaki! Guests are welcomed with
complimentary Prosecco, fresh baked bread served
with garlic, olive tapenade and hummus.
51 Hai Ba Trung, D1
382 48358
Also Try...
Boomarang Bistro
Located in The Crescent by the
lake, the spacious Boomarang
Bistro Saigon serves Australian
and other Western food in the most
pedestrian friendly, relaxed part
of town.
107 Ton Dat Tien, D7
3841 3883
www.boomarang.com.vn
Deutsches Eck /
German Corner
The restaurant is fast
becoming known for its
sausage, beers, and their
Schweins Haxe or pork knuckles (served with white
cabbage and mashed potatoes). A number of German
beers to select from including Konig Pilsener, Bitburger,
Koestritzer Black Beer, Benediktiner Weisse,
HB-Hofbrau Weisse, Schwarzbrau Exquisit, and
Schwarzbrau Weisse.
A001 Nguyen Van Linh St., Phu My Hung, D7
54106695
Chit Chat
Daily menu change for their
breakfast and dinner buffets, served
in a relaxing atmosphere with
eight live cooking stations with
over 60 varieties of domestic and
international dishes. A meeting
place to enjoy a cup of coffee from
selected premium blends and
delicious homemade pastries and
cakes.
Hotel Equatorial
242 Tran Binh Trong, D5
3839 7777
info@hcm.equatorial.com
www.equatorial.com
Corso Steakhouse & Bar
With an extensive wine menu,
contemporary Asian cuisine
and wide range of juicy, sizzling
steaks cooked to your liking by
our professional Chefs, Corso
Steakhouse & Bar is the perfect
choice for a special celebration or
formal business dinner.
Portofino serves cicchetti - a tradition from Venice best
likened to Spanish tapas, but usually served in larger
portions, featuring cheeses, salad, pasta, prawns, pork,
beef, salmon and seafood. Highlights for innovation:
Trippa alla Romana – tripe with chickpeas, marinara
sauce and fried egg; Slow braised pork belly served
on mascarpone polenta; and Mozzarella in Carozza –
breaded fresh mozzarella, anchovy and basil toasted
with pomodoro sauce.
15 Dong Du, D1
117 Le Thanh Ton, D1
3829 5368 ext 6614
www.norfolkhotel.com.vn
Hog’s Breath
An Australian family diner and bar
concept. Renowned for steaks,
seafood and other Western fare
served in an informal environment.
Smoke-free indoors.
Ground Floor, Bitexco Financial
Tower
2 Hai Trieu, D1
www.hogsbreathcafe.com.vn
Khoi Thom
Khoi Thom has evolved into an
authentic Mexican-style cantina
serving home-style dishes, many
from the Mexican chef’s family.
With bright colors, a large breezy
outdoor deck with an open bar
and a long street frontage, Khoi
Thom has earned respect for its
adventurous hues and style since
opening.
29 Ngo Thoi Nhiem, D3
www.khoithom.com
La Fenetre Soleil
Literally ‘window to the sun’, LFS
showcases a fusion of oldworld fittings (exposed bricks,
antique furniture and chandeliers)
with new-world elements (fur
cushions, mosaic tiles and
glass tables). Serves a range of
cocktails, imported beer, coffee
and smoothies together with a
Japanese-Vietnamese fusion menu.
4 Ly Tu Trong, D1
Market 39
Market 39 unites the best of East
and West in a buffet and a la carte
dining experience, along with one
of the best Sunday brunch buffets
in town.
6am – 10pm
Ground floor – InterContinental
Asiana Saigon
3520 9099
dine@icasianasaigon.com
Refinery
A charming venue with a
chequered history, the Refinery
brings the best of European cuisine
to the opium headquarters of
the old colonial empire. Loving
restoration work has brought out
much of the building’s architectural
charm, and with a menu that
delivers the finest in French dining
as well as culinary flourishes from
around the continent, you’ll never
be short of options. Stands up to
multiple repeat visits.
74 Hai Ba Trung, D1
3825 7667
www.therefinerysaigon.com
Scott & Binh’s
All-heart Western cuisine and
family friendly venue in the
D7 neighborhood. Scrupulous
attention to good service and a
commitment to great food that
makes customers happy.
15-17 Cao Trieu Phat, D7
65
Travel & Leisure
IMAGE BY CAROLINE COUPE
66
Great Wall
China
67
G R E AT E S C AP E S : GREAT WALL OF CHINA
The Long Fortress
The only way to really appreciate the Great Wall of China
is to stand on its walls and stare in awe
Text by Michael Arnold
Much is written about the Great Wall
of China that simply isn’t true. It doesn’t
stretch across the whole country in a straight
line from left to right; it can’t be seen from the
moon; it’s not 10,000 miles long; and it isn’t,
for the most part, neatly castellated – except
in the most frequently-visited tourist sections.
One of the most enduring icons of China’s
past, it is in fact a complex piece of heritage
that in its grandeur and sheer paranoia
represents the best and the worst of the
Chinese world-view. Largely a Ming Dynasty
project to connect a range of existing walls
built to defend scattered border towns from
marauding tribes to the north, the number of
lives wasted in its centuries-long construction
is one of history’s longest-lasting atrocities –
and it could be said that the Great Wall was,
in the end, a complete failure: the forces that
eventually displaced the Ming simply talked
their way through one of its gates.
Most visitors to the Wall get only a
postcard-like overview of the structure from
the summit at Badaling, the closest section
to Beijing where tourists are rewarded,
quite frankly, with what they expect to see.
Standing at the highest point in the morning
sunlight, a traveler can see the Wall snaking
away across the mountains, punctuated
by symmetrical watchtowers in stunning
regularity; majestic, beautiful, and a little
too perfect. Follow the wall with your eyes
until it vanishes over a distant peak, and you
may wonder just how far it goes, and what
else there is of the Wall to see beyond this
one prettified stretch with its chairlifts and
refreshments stands. Answering that question
not only provides you with a fascinating
China travel itinerary – it will teach you more
about modern and ancient China than you
might expect.
Where Eagles Climb
The Jiankou section is genuinely untouched
and unrestored. This is hiking Wall, where
you’ll be clambering over fallen bricks and
inching your way up near-vertical mountain
faces. One of the highest lookout towers is
known as the Ying Fei Dao Yang – which
means that even an eagle flying to the tower
has to fly straight up to reach it. Most of the
rises have no handrail or any other protection
– and as the slope is dangerously steep, you’ll
need to take the utmost care in climbing.
From the highest point at the Zhengbei
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Standing at the
highest point in the
morning sunlight,
a traveler can see
the Wall snaking
away across the
mountains, punctuated
by symmetrical
watchtowers in
stunning regularity;
majestic, beautiful,
and a little too
perfect.
Tower, you’ll be ideally placed to spot any
armies marching on Beijing.
The Jiankou Great Wall was built in
1368, and the white cliff rock used in its
construction makes this section stand
out rather strikingly against the heavily
forested hillsides, making it one of the most
photogenic stretches. You can camp out the
night in one of the towers, if you like – it’ll
take a couple of days to cover, so this actually
isn’t a bad option in warmer weather.
The best thing about this section of the
Wall is that it’s free – there’s no cover charge
at all – meaning you’ll be able to enjoy being
witness to genuine history without feeling
like a tourist.
All Rubble and Clay
Zhangjiakou’s a smoky little town where the
taste of burning coal infiltrates every breath
of air and every bowl of rice, but it has a
bare, spacious atmosphere that will leave you
with a warmhearted (albeit gritty) vision of a
China quite distinct from what you’ll find in
other more well-trodden tourist towns. Climb
up one of the many hills surrounding the city
to really appreciate the remoteness, simplicity
and dignified decay that typifies Zhangjiakou.
Its position at one of the Wall’s most
strategically important passes has given the
city a significant role in Chinese history as
the gateway to the former southern border
of old Mongolia. In dynastic times, all
traffic through to Mongolia was controlled
here; more recently, it was the temporary
provincial capital of Inner Mongolia until
the borders changed and that honor fell to
Hohhot, leaving Zhangjiakou to crumble in
the northwestern corner of Hebei.
Apart from the pass itself, the Zhangjiakou
Wall is completely unrestored and quite
distinctive – it’s not castellated and there’s
no pathway along the top – in fact, most of
the Wall here is a simple barricade of reddish
clay rock, loosely mortared together, around
two or three meters thick. The watchtowers
resemble muddy honeycombs, cylindrical
in shape. A tourist pathway alongside the
wall leading to Shuimu Palace, a temple in
the east of the city, is an easy climb. The
slopes behind the palace afford nice views
of the surrounding countryside, and mark
the entrance to Zhangjiakou’s ‘Underground
Great Wall’ – disappointingly, a short tunnel.
Where Flowers Bloom
If you want to see the Wall at its prettiest,
Huanghuacheng is the spot. Overgrown with
sweet yellow flowers in the summer and
stretching high above a natural spring lake
and crescent-shaped water reservoir, this is
a beautifully-preserved section of the Wall
favored by nature lovers all year round. The
reason it’s still in such good shape is that
it was built solidly with a special additive
in the mortar made from rice glue – a slow
and expensive move that cost the chief
engineer his head when it was suggested to
the Emperor he’d neglected his duties and
wasted funds. It wasn’t until the Emperor
decided to take a look for himself that he
realized his mistake and built the poor fellow
a better tomb, erecting a monument at the
Wall engraved with the characters jin tang,
meaning ‘firm’. This is still called the Jin
Tang Wall by locals, and despite having been
bombed by the Japanese during the war, it
still lives up to its name.
That being said, the paths are far from
pristine – this is 430-year-old masonry – but
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Perhaps one of the most compelling places to go and see
the Wall is at the Old Dragon’s Head – where its brick spine
topples down the last mountain slope and dives into the
sea. Shanhaiguan is the only part of the Great Wall you
can see at the beach – fully restored to its former glory
(where possible using the original bricks) and jutting into
the waves with imposing military splendor.
the climb isn’t terribly steep until you get
higher up, and in some parts the walk is very
pleasant, and you’ll be at ease to enjoy the
scenery.
Mathematical Precision
Situated at the northern tip of Tianjin
Municipality, the Huangyaguan Wall features
some unusual architecture and unique
watchtower design, a result of principally
strategic imperatives. This was an important
pass in ancient times that required superb
defense facilities, and the small city built at
the pass to accommodate militia (now refitted
to accommodate tourists, and quite nicely
too) was fixed with traps and wrong-turns to
confuse any invaders who made it through.
Huangyaguan is another steep and tough
section of the Wall, but it was repaired
during the mid-eighties in the interests of
preserving its rare features, making climbing
much safer (although no less of a challenge).
It’s a particularly old section, first built in
557AD, and so the city of Tianjin regards it
as a key relic. Many of its more interesting
features – in particular the water pass and the
fascinating Baguaguan Castle – have been
completely restored.
Huangyaguan is noted for its peculiarly
austere beauty and mathematically precise
nature. At some points you’ll see its jagged
reflection in the river below, and standing on
the clifftop, you’ll see quite clearly how welldesigned this defensive structure is – it was
once boasted that as long as one man guarded
Huangyaguan, ten thousand could not pass
through it.
The Underwater Wall
The northern border of Greater Tangshan
follows the path of the Great Wall all the
way from Qinhuangdao in the East to Tianjin
in the West, and its condition is relatively
poor. However, the Xifengkou pass near the
Panjiakou reservoir makes for an interesting
visit, most famous for a stretch of the
Wall that has been completely submerged
underwater. Characterized by almost
obliterated Wall sections that stretch between
curiously well-preserved watchtowers,
the Wall descends into the reservoir quite
suddenly, and depending on water levels,
can be seen clearly as a ghostly silhouette of
ancient glories.
Apart from the underwater section, there’s
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an interesting triple-gateway near the Nuan
River valley and a recently-constructed
memorial to the section’s contribution to
modern military history at the main gate.
In early 1933, Chinese forces under Zhao
Dengyu found the pass as strategically
valuable as had the Emperors of long ago
when they staged successful resistance
attacks against the Japanese here – only to
be betrayed a few months later when the
Guomindang signed an agreement with the
Japanese and ordered the withdrawal of all
strategic Great Wall defense forces. If you
look carefully, you can still find bullet holes in
the Wall here.
This is remote and staggering Wall
territory, and the presence of other tourists is
rare – apart from the odd tour group brought
in to see the parts underwater, you can be
sure to find places far away from anyone to
be alone on the Wall.
Across the Bridge
In 1998, the Chinese government took out a
loan from the World Bank to make repairs on
cultural relics – the funds were used to restore
a very unusual section of the Great Wall at
Jiumenkou. Officially tied to Huludao city in
southern Liaoning province, the Wall here is
notable for its 100m span across the Jiujiang
River – the only part of the Great Wall that
resembles and functions as a bridge.
The name means ‘nine gateways’ and
refers to the nine sluice gates making up the
pass across the river. This section of the Wall
dates back to 1381, but is based on earlier
walls constructed around 550AD. Visitors
to Jiumenkou rarely choose to climb the
mountainside Wall here, usually just dropping
in to see the nine-gate river pass – but if
you do want to make a longer visit out of it,
there’s two kilometres of fairly easygoing and
fully-restored Wall with sixteen watchtowers
and a beacon tower to explore. Jiumenkou
makes for a nice afternoon and is an easy part
of the Wall to conquer.
Taking Tiger Mountain
Hushan is a little farther away from the
capital, and it’s best tacked on to a visit of
Dandong city, an overnight train trip from
Beijing. It was only recognized as the true
eastern terminus of the Great Wall in 1992,
and extensive renovations were carried out
after the fact.
As a reconstruction, the Hushan Wall looks
brand new. The original Wall here was built
with soil, wood and stones, which is why it’s
had to be speculatively rebuilt using common
features seen at other sections in its design.
It may seem fake if you’re a purist, but it’s a
genuine attempt to restore something once
lost – and the climb rewards with some
quite impressive views of the North Korean
countryside. Once you’ve scrambled down
to the far end of the Wall, you’ll come to a
shallow creek which marks the border – on
the other side, uniformed border guards on
second-rate bicycles are on patrol with some
scary-looking guns.
Into the Ocean
Perhaps one of the most compelling places
to go and see the Wall is at the Old Dragon’s
Head – where its brick spine topples down
the last mountain slope and dives into the
sea. Shanhaiguan is the only part of the Great
Wall you can see at the beach – fully restored
to its former glory (where possible using the
original bricks) and jutting into the waves
with imposing military splendor.
Shanhaiguan city is latched onto the
Wall along its eastern side and is protected
by some commanding stone figures of
Ming dynasty soldiers positioned along
the fortifications. The real defenders may
have let their guard down for the Manchu
invaders when they breezed their way
through here in 1644, but their modern-day
stone counterparts lend an authentic air to
a city one imagines has not changed much
since those times. Shanhaiguan is still all
marble pathways and old courtyards – it has
a genuine atmosphere that other walled cities
have now lost to the tourist trade, and visitors
here often leave with the impression that
they’ve seen some of the real China at last.
Finally making your way up the stairs to
the Head and walking its last hundred meters
to the end (or rather, the beginning) of the
Great Wall is the climax of the itinerary.
The Wall tapers to an edge of less than a
couple of meters wide, and it’s just enough to
comfortably stand and gaze out at the ocean
from the archer’s gap in the stone. If you do
want to make a special experience out of your
visit to the Old Dragon’s Head, come out at
dawn and watch the sun rise over the sea –
you’ll feel, just as those old soldiers once did,
like you’re at the beginning of the world.
G R E AT E S C AP E S : CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
Chasing
Waterfalls
A biker discovers that a dangerous road can
lead to beautiful things
Text and Images by Tina Woodward
It felt like a very long time ago when
we were planning our trip over a leisurely
pub lunch in England. We were going to
take three months off and ride motorbikes
from northern to southern Vietnam. It didn’t
seem a big problem to me at the time that
I couldn’t actually ride a bike. After what
seemed like an eternity, we had finally landed
in Vietnam, about to embark on our first
big adventure. We bought mopeds, ponchos
and bungee ropes. I had about four days of
riding experience under my belt. We knew
that south of Hue, the well-trodden tourist
routes, would have us hugging the coast, but
we wanted something more adventurous
with roads that sliced through forests
and threaded through mountain passes.
We wanted to see Vietnam untouched by
tourism. My boyfriend Jamie was interested
in Pleiku for its historical significance, and I
wanted to go chasing waterfalls there.
Starting from Danang we turned inland,
climbing into the Central Highlands and all
the promises of the Ho Chi Minh Highway.
We poured over our map, plotting our
route on how far we thought we could
71
comfortably ride in a day with weather and
daylight permitting. Our plan was to ride
approximately 500 kilometers over four days.
The road between Kham Duc and Plie Kan
was so incredibly beautiful. At one point the
road took us to within three kilometers of the
Laos border. As we climbed, the temperature
dropped. Our 125cc Yamaha Nouvos coped
without a hiccup. For as far as we could see
were deep emerald green forests on majestic
rolling hillsides. It was just breathtaking.
I can’t do it justice in words. To top it all
the roads were almost perfect - it was the
driving experience we had dreamed of. We
rode through remote hilltribe villages where
packs of schoolchildren on bicycles waved
and smiled at us, or just stopped and stared
in surprise. We had been so lucky with the
weather until I felt a big fat raindrop hit my
arm and, before I had time to even register
it was raining, the downpour had drenched
us both. Clumsily we put on our ponchos
(although it was already too late for me).
Having seen Vietnamese people riding along
inside their raincoats we harbored romantic
ideas about being cozy and dry inside of ours.
The reality of it feels almost exactly like being
wrapped in a wet shower curtain. In my
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first attempt I managed to channel the rain
directly into my trainers.
We made a pit stop for lunch at a small,
unassuming little eatery on the side of the
road that only served pho in several versions.
Maybe because we were wet and cold, but
the pho bo we had was the best I ever tasted
in Vietnam. The rain had stopped and we
ventured back out to find a place to stay for
the night. The town shuts down at dusk, with
not a single person in the streets. We had a
couple of cans of 333 and laid our heads down
for the night, ready to be on the road again
first thing in the morning.
Rough Roads Ahead
With over a 45 meter cascade, the Phu Cuong
waterfalls is said to be the most impressive in
Gia Lai Province, located about 48 kilometers
southwest of Pleiku. No problem we thought,
a couple of hours each way at the most, but
how wrong we were.
The road out of Pleiku to the falls was
horrendous with potholes dotting the
highway. I hit a few accidentally and received
such a jarring I was certain I’d broken my
bike. Accompanying the potholes were fistsized rocks that would snatch at my front
wheel, yanking me off balance. I was twisting
and wobbling and struggling to maintain
15 kph. There were 40 ton trucks, coaches,
minibuses, cars, all kicking up huge clouds of
dust. The number one rule on the road was
to not get hit and the second rule was to not
hit anything. The bigger the vehicle the more
right of way, so our mopeds we were at the
bottom of the pecking order. I watched as my
boyfriend disappeared into the dust on the
inside of an 18 wheeler. Then it was my turn.
I waited to see my exit point, checked the
road surface and went full throttle, holding
my breath until I was through. Don’t get me
wrong, it wasn’t always like this. I got used to
it and became braver. Jamie was more daring
so I wasn’t surprised at how well he managed.
I’d been so apprehensive at the start, but as
my confidence grew I began to enjoy it. I was
riding along with a huge smile and I realized,
to my surprise, that I loved it - this amazingly
beautiful country that is Vietnam. I loved the
chaos, the dirt and the dust, and even how
much my body ached after 170 kilometers
of riding. I loved how every time I thought I
was beaten, we’d turn a corner and have to
stop - so completely moved by the beauty of
the place.
Finally we saw the turning for the Phu
Cuong waterfalls. It was VND10,000 each
to enter but the guard had no change so he
just waved us through. We rode for about
another kilometer as a quiet rumbling in the
distance slowly grew. Both grinning excitedly
we started down a flight of metal stairs. At
this point we could only see a tiny trickle of
water to the right, teasing us. The rumble
had become a roar and the falls came into
view. The ride here was absolutely worth it.
The falls were huge, the thundering of the
cascading golden-brown water pounding
against the rocks, the rainbow haze around
us - it was magical. I read somewhere
afterwards that the crashing water can be
heard from up to two kilometers away. The
base of the falls was covered in boulders
which we scrambled over to get close enough
to feel the mist on our faces. In the air
were dragonflies, butterflies and songbirds,
fluttering in flashes of color. Though the
journey was fairly perilous, the destination
was worth it.
By the end of our journey through
Vietnam we had ridden nearly 3,000
kilometres from north to south. Those few
days through the Central Highlands were
some of the best days of our trip. When the
roads were good the riding was spectacular.
The landscape was staggeringly gorgeous. I’ll
never forget that enormous sky and the thick
emerald jungles, and I don’t think I’ll ever
be scared to drive anywhere ever again! The
adventure was everything we had hoped for
and more. Vietnam is an incredible country
and we have fallen completely in love with it.
Bio: At 27, Tina and her boyfriend decided
to take a year off from studying and work
to discover Southeast Asia. Read more
about their traveling adventures at www.
girlandboygoeast.wordpress.com
73
R E SO RT RE VI E W
Island Dreams in the
Coconut Kingdom
A charming Indochine-themed lodge opens in My Tho
Text by James Pham Images by NGOC TRAN
One of My Tho’s most famous personages
is Vietnamese scholar Nguyen Thanh Nam,
more commonly known as the Coconut
Monk for allegedly subsisting solely on
the watery fruit for three years during a
meditative quest for peace. Peace has indeed
come to My Tho in the Mekong Delta but in
the decidedly more luxurious form of newlyopened The Island Lodge, a 12-room lodge
set on Unicorn Island (Thoi Son), a stone’s
throw away from Nam’s floating “Coconut
Kingdom” pagoda on nearby Phoenix Island.
The Indochine-themed lodge is a labor of
love for owners Michel and Francoise Scour.
“My grandparents lived in Hong Gai (in
front of Ha Long Bay) for 25 years working
for a French coal company. Because of all
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the stories they told of Indochine, when I
first visited Vietnam 50 years later in 1999,
I remember thinking as I was walking on
the tarmac at Tan Son Nhat that it felt like
coming home,” says Michel.
Michel’s connection to Vietnam includes
a successful chicken slaughterhouse in Bien
Hoa in the early 2000s as well as an adopted
Vietnamese daughter. However, back in
France, his dreams always reverted back to
the country from the stories of his childhood.
So it was that Michel and Francoise sold
their food supply business and returned 16
months ago to make their dream a reality.
“We could have chosen anywhere to open
the lodge,” Michel says. “But Hong Gai is cold
like France in the winter. We decided on the
Mekong Delta because it has good weather
all year round. My Tho is also just an hour
and a half from the center of Saigon, so we
can serve tourists, the expat community, local
Vietnamese and businesses based in Ben Tre
and My Tho. Also, for the French, just hearing
the word ‘Mekong’ is mystical, dreamlike.”
The result is a stunning oasis of refined
charm on Unicorn Island, one of the many
river islets in the area. Set five kilometers
off the main road, an unremarkably pretty
country lane edged by coconut palms
and banana trees suddenly opens onto
a ridiculously gorgeous property with
fastidiously manicured gardens featuring
lotus ponds, gazebos and a waterfall. A few
bungalows are scattered around the grounds,
but the jewel of the lodge is the open air
restaurant/lounge set on 50 meters of
riverfront.
Home, But More Than Home
In The Island Lodge, Michel has built an
homage to his roots, sparing no expense
to recreate a corner of fabled Indochine
marrying 5-star luxury with the intimacy
of a guesthouse. Touches of French flair,
unexpected for such a small property, are
felt in the welcome drink and amuse-bouche,
the high staff to guest ratio (30 staff caring
for 12 rooms: eight Mekong River View
rooms overlooking what Michel calls the
“permanent theater” of life on the Mekong
and four slightly larger Pavilions Garden
View rooms), the same 100% Natural
Rendez-Vous bath products found in many of
Vietnam’s luxe hotels, the branded amenities
from bottled water to sugar packets to bar
coasters, the Jacuzzi and steam room off the
picturesque swimming pool overlooking
the Mekong, the custom Indochine-themed
fabrics and the list goes on.
“We want the Lodge to feel like more
than home,” say the first-time hoteliers of
their favorite amenities. “We love having a
long, leisurely breakfast, so we’ve included
an unlimited a la carte breakfast. We like
swimming, so we built a large 24 meter
swimming pool. We like to linger, so we put
in really comfortable chairs throughout.”
The concept of “home, but more than home”
reveals itself in family mementos spread
throughout the breezy La Manufacture
d’Opium Lounge including vintage family
photos and an upright piano that belonged to
Michel’s maternal grandmother. Le Comptoir
de Marthe et Edouard Restaurant (named
after Michel’s paternal grandparents) has its
own bakery where croissants and breads are
freshly made, including a batch of heavenly
madeleines that Francoise whips up for the
day, just because. The kitchen is presided
over by Chef Patrick Berenger who’s worked
in the kitchens of Joël Robuchon and Hôtel
Matignon, the official residence of a former
Prime Minister of France.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Seafood with fresh pasta;
Quiche Lorraine; Francoise and Michel
I amble down to breakfast on a lazy
Tuesday morning and scan the menu,
deciding on Eggs Benedict, followed by
a freshly baked croissant slathered with
a homemade pomelo and mandarin jam
sweetened with honey from a nearby farm
and a cappuccino (the first of many, as it
would turn out). Michel encourages me to
try the Swiss muesli with homemade
yoghurt, but I’m already stuffed. At the table
next to me is a Irish-German couple who’ve
now extended their stay twice already,
reluctant to leave this tiny oasis devoted to
the art of joie de vivre. The day is set aside for
simply reading by the pool while watching
the occasional barge pass on by. Dinnertime
comes quickly and the Cap Saint Jacques fish
and shellfish sour cream soup (VND110,000)
is hearty and flavorsome thanks to a stock of
shrimp heads and fish, begging to be sopped
up with a basketful of beautiful homemade
bread. My main for the evening is Roasted
yellow chicken with forest mushroom and
truffle sauce (VND320,000), meaty and earthy
served with gratinated potatoes. Quelle
surprise to have such sophisticated, French
cuisine when the lodge feels so secluded with
the lights of My Tho twinkling across the
river seemingly a million miles away.
I spend day two exploring the nearby
area, including fruit orchards, bee farms and
little coconut candy factories. The Mekong
Delta’s intricate labyrinths of waterways are
perfect for short jaunts by canoe, through
natural tunnels created by water palms. In the
afternoon, we take the local ferry just minutes
from the lodge over to Ben Tre and explore
the little markets and endless laneways
dotted with French-era houses and filled with
smiling country folk, not yet jaded by visitors.
It feels like I’m inhabiting multiple worlds: in
the country but so close to the city, in a little
corner of France in Vietnam.
Just over an hour’s drive from south Saigon,
doubles at the The Island Lodge are USD170
with unlimited a la carte breakfast. Visit www.
theislandlodge.com.vn for more.
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L IF E 'S A T RI P
Going the Distance
Making a success out of long-term travel
Having visited nearly 60 countries as a travel writer
and award-winning photographer, James Pham
blogs about his adventures at FlyIcarusFly.com
spending the other USD15 on stupid things
like snacks or soda at my day job. By stashing
that money I think we saved over USD1,000
in two years.
You talk about three types of travelers:
Rigid Structure (entire trip is planned
out), Open-Ended (general itinerary,
flexible dates) and Always a Mystery
(never knowing what’s next). Which are
you and which is more advantageous for
long-term travel?
Sucre, Bolivia
We’re a mix between Rigid Structure and
Open-Ended depending on when our
itinerary calls for it. Our travel style is all
about not needlessly wasting money, so if
a destination calls for booking tickets in
advance (such as Europe in the summer) we’ll
do that. Otherwise we’ve been known to
have our general route but not plan but more
than one city ahead just to give us freedom
to see whatever we want for as long as we
want.
Are you an advocate of the round-theworld (RTW) ticket or buying segments
as you go?
I’ve never purchased a RTW ticket and only
think they’re worthwhile for very select
itineraries where a pre-made route has a
special sale price or if you are starting from
a major hub. Otherwise I’ve found buying
as you go always saves the most money if
you are willing to put the effort into route
planning. Even if it did save me money, on a
very long trip I’m not sure I’d commit myself
to such rigidity!
Jeremy and Angie Jones at Machu Picchu, Peru
As summer draws near, many of us
are starting to plan holiday destinations.
For some intrepid voyagers, though, travel
isn’t limited to two weeks a year or even a
season. It’s a full-time occupation. However,
unless you’re a trust fund baby, turning that
dream into a reality involves a lot of saving
and planning and that’s before you even hit
the road. For this month’s column, I tapped
Jeremy Jones, author of The Long-Term
Traveler’s Guide (available in print or e-book
at Amazon and iTunes) to share some
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lessons learned from traveling to nearly 70
countries, many of them on two long-term
trips he did in the past six years.
Saving up for a big trip is daunting to
many. What’s helped you to do that?
My favorite thing to do is put any leftover
money from an ATM withdrawal in a secret
jar, and then re-deposit it in my account after
a period of time. I found that I’d take USD20
out to pay for a USD5 item, and end up
I favor more planning, especially
hotels. I’m picky about where I sleep.
Do you always have your first night of
accommodations booked for any given
city or do you find one on the fly?
I can count on one hand the number of
times we’ve rolled up into a city without
accommodation, and I really hate doing it
unless I absolutely have to. Wasting time to
walk around and find a place to stay, while
carrying our heavy bags, is not worth it to
save a few bucks, in my mind.
One of the joys of long-term travel is
TRAVEL Column
the ability to stay in one place longer.
Which places have you fallen in love
with?
We’ve had some pretty great cities take
us by surprise where we ended up staying
longer than we had anticipated. One of
which was Sucre, Bolivia, because it is a
quaint little town with lots to do and what
is possibly my favorite market in the whole
world. We were staying at a nicer B&B on
a hill overlooking the city, and couldn’t pry
ourselves away so we doubled our stay. If
it wasn’t for the fact that we had a tour to
Machu Picchu booked already a few weeks
later, we would still be there now!
Thanks to your book, I now know that a
429ml bottle of shampoo should last me
107 days and a 6 oz tube of toothpaste
should last 86 days. Did you really keep
track of all that?
[Laughs] Oh yes, I did! It kind of happened
by accident when I started making a mental
note of when I went to go buy toiletries.
I realized I hated doing it so much that I
decided to keep track of when I did it and
ultimately wrote about it in a blog post.
Don’t worry, though, I don’t track them
anymore!
So you have a penchant for tracking
things… How closely do you monitor
your budget while traveling?
I’ve always tracked my spending on every
day of my travels to relay the information
to our readers. It is a habit that came
about from my previous training as an
engineer. I’ll log just about everything
from accommodation, transportation, food,
sightseeing, to souvenir purchases, and
miscellaneous spending. I’d like to think
that I’m a very good judge of spending, and
most of the time my surprises come from
conscious decisions to splurge rather than
not planning properly! But if I do have to
pick one part of the world that surprised
me, it would be how affordable some of the
Eastern European countries (like Bulgaria,
Montenegro, and Macedonia) were!
Spending so many days on the road,
aren’t travel ruts inevitable?
Yeah, my worst one was when I was in
China on my first RTW trip. I spent about
four weeks traveling around the country
and was very burnt out from the pollution
and bad food (sorry, China!). By the end of
it I just spent a lot of time at McDonald’s,
in movie theaters and sleeping to break
away from the fact that I was in China
and recharge my batteries. After that, and
leaving the country, I was good to go for
more travel!
Speaking of McDonald’s, I think we’ve
all had that moment where we cave
instead of eating local.
You know, we love going to McDonald’s
when we travel to get that taste of home
we sometimes miss. We’ve had some pretty
crazy things like the Petite McBaguette
in France, GreekMac in Greece, Spicy
McPaneer in India, and a whole lot more. I
love the local variations because the flavors
remind me of home, but are 100% local
creations.
I like your idea of collecting a similar
souvenir from each country you visit.
What’s your personal travel obsession?
I still collect shot glasses like I mentioned in
my book. Now that I’m up to 66 countries
my collection is getting pretty amazing
although I have to re-purchase a few that
have broken over the years. Angie [my
wife] has also jumped on board with this
and collects trinkets that can be used as
ornaments, so between these two we have
a lot of fun when it comes to seeking out
items to buy!
Long-term travel is fun, but there
comes a time when you have to come
home. Don’t employers look down on
long employment gaps especially if
perceived to be frivolous travel?
No, never! The first time I came back from
my long-term trip, my interviewers spent
more time asking me about all of the
awesome places I went to than about my
skills for the job (and I did end up getting
the job). Although I didn’t have a problem,
I do think it is important to foster new
skills while traveling that you can put
on your resume which helps overcome
the gap in work. In my case I always put
information about the languages I learned
more of and work I do for our website,
livingthedreamrtw.com, in my resume to
show that I’ve been learning new skills
even though I wasn’t working in a
traditional job.
What would be your advice to people
who dream of traveling RTW, but think
it’s not realistic?
If you have the dream, you’ve got to do it.
The fact that it isn’t realistic to most is a
great reason to make sure you actually get
out there and do it! If you’re serious, let the
dream consume you such that it is all you
can think about, and use that energy to
figure out how to make it happen financially,
logistically, or for any other aspect you may
be struggling with. Committing to do it is
the hardest part, and once you do you’ll
figure out ways to make it happen!
77
Bolivia
Images BY jimmy van der Kloet
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Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world, near the
crest of the Andes at a 3,656 meter altitude
79
80
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:
Isla del Pescado is an outcrop of land in the
middle of Salar de Uyuni covered in cacti;
A 7.5-hour train ride from Oruro to Uyuni through
desert landscapes;
7am, hot springs close to the border with Chile
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B L AN K CAN VAS
art Column
Making a Scene
According to a recent index, Ho
Chi Minh City was ranked the sixth most
dynamic city in the world. The factors
that were taken into account were: inward
investment, how many international
company’s headquarters there are, growth
in the property market, connectivity,
economic growth, new business startups and higher education. However, the
survey didn’t measure how lively the arts
are, how many galleries, theaters and
orchestras the city has. I don’t think any
city can be considered dynamic without a
well supported and vibrant arts scene.
Number one in the index is London,
which has one of the most vibrant
art scenes in the entire world. The art
museums all rank highly with visitors
and are free to enter. At number two
is San Jose, US. Their city art gallery
costs USD8 to enter but they offer lively
exhibitions and events whereas the Ho
Chi Minh City Fine Arts museum costs
only 50 cents a ticket but many of the
exhibits have been languishing on the
walls for a few years now. Beijing ranks
third and offers more than one public
art museum. Entry to the National
Art Museum is free and the collection
is astoundingly varied and beautiful.
Shenzen, China, is placed fourth. It does
have one art museum but it is ranked
in the bottom third of attractions in the
city on TripAdvisor. I have never heard
of an art museum coming so low in the
rankings; I wonder what they got wrong?
Shanghai has three art museums and they
rank high as attractions on Trip Advisor.
Well, Shanghai is currently the biggest
city in the world so its galleries ought to
be good.
At number six is Ho Chi Minh City.
It is the 31st largest city in the world by
population. We have one art museum
and the entry fee is very affordable at
VND10,000. It is ranked number 15 out
of nearly 100 attractions in the city,
which is quite something. The exhibits
are from over 300 years of fine and
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FINE ART MUSEUM BY BRIDGET MARCH
A city is only as dynamic as its art scene
A professional artist and author of A Week in Hoi An,
Bridget March specializes in urban landscapes and aims
to reveal the hidden treasures of city life and small town
cultures through her illustrations. Bridget offers art
classes and sketching tours in Ho Chi Minh City. For
more of Bridget's work, visit bridgetmarch.co.uk
decorative arts and tell a story of life in
southern Vietnam that is rich and varied all housed in a fabulous mansion which is
an experience in itself.
In the past three years, I have seen the
art scene in Saigon grow and become
livelier. I know from personal experience
that artists from Hanoi and Hue are
moving south to be a part of an artist-led
movement in our city. Saigon-based San
Art brings a much needed dimension to
critical thinking in contemporary practice
and provides a focal point for all artists.
Commercial galleries provide support for
more established artists through cultural
programs and by taking Vietnamese art
overseas to international markets. 3A
Station is trying to create an “arts quarter”
where live performance and street art rub
shoulders with independent designers,
raising the profile of the arts amongst
the young, proving that there are pockets
of vibrant arts lighting up the cultural
landscape all over the city.
What would add some real dynamism
to the arts is to use just a small amount
of the revenue from all the new inward
investment and inject some cash into our
beautiful museum and local art scene to
make them as dynamic as the economy.
The List
Travel
An Lam Villas | Ninh Van Bay
Ana Mandara Villas | Dalat
Princess d’Annam | Phan Thiet
Fusion Maia | Danang
BEST WESTERN PREMIER
Havana Nha Trang Hotel
Jasmine Court
Situated in the center of Nha
Trang, the biggest five star hotel in
Vietnam – Best Western Premier
Havana Nha Trang will leave you an unforgettable
experience. Spacious suites with breathtaking
ocean-view, massive outdoor pool 3-faced to the sea,
underground tunnel connecting to the beach from the
hotel, Sky Bar on the roof of the City and more. Come
and enjoy your time!
38 Tran Phu Street, Loc Tho, Nha Trang
T: (058) 388 9999 / Fax: (058) 388 9900
www.havanahotel.vn
info@havanahotel.vn
Located on a peaceful and
beautiful side street off Nguyen
Van Troi Boulevard, only 5
minutes from the Tan Son Nhat
International Airport and 15 minutes to the city centre,
this boutique property with only 12 apartments
is comprised of one and two-bedroom suites of
various sizes. All apartments are designed in a fresh
contemporary style and finished in a pleasing neutral
colour scheme. With personalized service, our warm
and attentive staff will make your stay with us a
pleasant and enjoyable experience.
307/29 Nguyen Van Troi, Tan Binh
3844 6639 - 092 669 9033
www.jasminecourt.com.vn
La Veranda | Phu Quoc
Novela Muine Resort & Spa
Built amidst enormous granite
boulders and natural fauna on
NINH VAN BAY
the shores of Ninh Van Bay and
inaccessible by road, An Lam Villas Resort is serenely
beautiful, silent, relaxing and safe. With private pools, butler
service, and superb modern facilities, the whole concept is
based on respecting the ecological hinterland, celebrating
Vietnam’s food and culture - and service. There are 33
villas, and is an ideal location for honeymoons.
Tan Thanh Hamlet, Ninh Ich Commune,
Ninh Hoa District, Nha Trang
(05) 8362 4964
reservation@anlamnvb.com
www.anlam.com
A unique and exciting fusion of resort and spa where spa
treatments are inclusive and a part of daily living in this
beach resort. It’s the first all pool villa style resort in the
destination and offers 87 pool suites, spa villas and beach
villas each with modern, open-plan living and private
courtyard with swimming pool. ‘Freedom’ options such
as spa treatments and breakfast available at multiple
locations are a few of the surprising offers in store.
maiadanang.fusion-resorts.com
InterContinental Nha Trang
InterContinental Nha Trang is a luxurious modern
beachfront hotel where an enriching urban retreat
harmonized beautifully with its surroundings. Right in
the heart of Nha Trang, a 40-minute scenic drive from
Cam Ranh International Airport, experience the perfect
blend of local charm and nature.
32 - 34 Tran Phu, Nha Trang
(058) 388 7777
www.nhatrang.intercontinental.com
Ana Mandara Villas Dalat comprises 17 restored
French-style villas from the 1920s and 1930s,
preserving the original design, décor and charm; and
set in the cool climate of the rural highlands of Central
Vietnam. Striking views of the surrounding town
and countryside abound from all areas of the gently
sloping hillside property. Some of the villas have been
converted into 65 guest accommodations, with each
villa comprising between three and five ensuited rooms.
www.anamandara-resort.com
The most distinguished of Phu Quoc Island’s hotels
and guesthouses, La Veranda sports paddle fans,
butter-yellow exteriors, whitewashed louvers, and
tropical gardens recalling a colonial plantation.
Freestanding deluxe villas are notable for their seafacing porches, spacious bathrooms, and cathedral-like
ceilings. This is the resort of choice for guests taking
advantage of this unspoiled remote tropical island
destination.
www.laverandaresorts.com
The Princess is an exquisite resort with an almost
celestial atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else
in Vietnam. The look of the resort is classical, bright
and impeccably clean and private. The two Empress
Suites are the very pinnacle of luxury accommodation
in Vietnam – they are mini millionaire’s mansions in
themselves, fully-equipped, bright and spacious, and
possessing of the same ethereal design quality that
pervades this whole resort. Set in the remote Ke Ga Bay
– wordlessly beautiful.
www.princessannam.com
A 150-meter beach resort that offers
luxurious accommodations, countless
modern facilities and amenities with
attentive services. A private and unique
space in the heart of resort, Novela
restaurant serves a daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and
any other banquet with Asian and European cuisine.
With two floors, guests can enjoy wining and dining
and view the beautiful beach and sand hill.
96A Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ham Tien
Mui Ne, Phan Thiet
www.novelaresort.vn
(62) 374 3456
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A D V E RT ORI AL
Smooth Operator
Removing hair from legs, underarms, bikini
lines and beyond
Interview by NPD Khanh Images Provided by Orient Skincare
hair removal, on the other hand, does not
have the same limitation and can be used
safely on people of all skin tones.
Is laser hair removal painful?
Dr. Ha: There is some pain during the
procedure yes, but it is nowhere as painful
as, say, getting a bikini wax for the first
time. You will also grow used to it after a
couple of times.
Is laser hair removal really
permanent?
Dr. Hanh: Certainly not. Truly permanent
hair removal is still impossible. The laser
hair removal procedure simply weakens
hair follicles underneath your skin in a
gradual process. Over time, the hair that
grow from these follicles becomes like the
hair on your face: so fine and thin it all but
becomes invisible to the human eye, but
it’s still there.
How many sessions does it take to
completely remove hair?
Dr. Hanh: Anywhere from four to eight
sessions depending on the individual. We
advise repeat sessions every three months
to maintain optimum condition of the skin
and hair of the treated area.
How long does a session take?
Dr. Ha: Depending on the exact location,
a single session can be as short as 15
minutes or as long as one hour.
Before and after laser hair removal
treatment, do the patients have to
prepare anything?
Dr. Ha: Yes. Within six weeks before
Orient Skincare and Laser Center
244A Cong Quynh, D1; 3926 0561/62/63/64
3 Phung Khac Khoan, D1; 3824 4650
64D Truong Dinh, D3; 3932 5781
945 Cach Mang Thang 8, Tan Binh; 3970 3674
www.orientskin.com
From as early as Ancient Rome, many
women - and even some men - have been
dealing with unwanted hair using razors,
depilatory creams, tweezers and wax.
But laser hair removal, the most effective
method to remove hair to date, has only
been around for the last 20-odd years. This
month, Oi speaks to two dermatologists
from Orient Skincare and Laser Center - Dr.
Le Thi Thu Ha and Dr. Chuong Ngoc Hanh
- on this cutting edge solution to a hairy
problem.
Laser hair removal is said to be the
most effective method to remove
unwanted hair. How does it compare
with plucking, shaving, waxing and
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair
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removal methods?
Dr. Ha: First of all, compared to traditional
hair removal methods, laser hair removal
is far superior. Not only is it more effective
and lasts longer, laser removal is also better
for your skin. If you shave or pluck your
hair, it will grow back within a couple of
days and if it’s the armpit, then the skin will
become dark and wrinkled. You also run the
risks of getting skin irritation, ingrown hair,
even folliculitis. Waxing on a monthly basis
is a little better, but it still has many of the
same hygienic risks aside from being less
convenient and more costly in the long term
compared to laser hair removal.
Second, compared to IPL, laser hair
removal is applicable and safer for more
people. Technically speaking, IPL has the
same level of effectiveness as laser and it
is painless. However, due to technological
limitations, IPL cannot be used for people
with dark complexions. Anyone with skin
tone darker than pure alabaster has a chance
of getting burned when using IPL. Laser
laser treatment, they should refrain from
waxing as this will interfere with the
effectiveness of the treatment. Within
three to four weeks before treatment,
they should stay out of the sun. Within
24 hours of treatment, we advise against
shaving.
After the treatment, patients should
stay out of the sun and use sunscreen of at
least SPF 30 and up. After treatment, they
may see some hair growth in the treated
spot. They should not shave, wax or pluck
these hairs. Instead, they should use a wet
towel to gently clean them away.
Does laser hair removal have any
contraindications?
Dr. Ha: Laser hair removal has the same
restrictions as any other laser treatments.
It is not for pregnant women, people
with metal inserts in their bodies, people
with pacemakers, people with melanoma,
people with scratched skin or diabetes.
If you have any of these conditions, then
laser hair removal is not for you.
85
The List
Health & Beauty
DENTAL
Also try ...
2000 Dental Clinic Trung Tam
Implant
Established in 1999, 2000 Dental
Clinic now has 65 dentists serving
3 locations offering the full range
of dental care, including surgery,
implants and extractions.
125 Le Thi Rieng, D1
Elite Dental Group
Dr. Hung & Associates
Dental Center
A centrally located dental
center that uses the latest
modern equipment with a
team of skilled specialists.
Services include cosmetic,
implant, braces, prosthodontics, pedodontics and more.
Expect high quality service at a
reasonable price.
Building 244A Cong Quynh, D1
08 3925 7526
08 3925 7527
nhakhoadrhung@gmail.com
www.drhung01.com
Elite Dental is an international
and well-equipped clinic that
provides a wide range of dental
services including general
dentistry, cosmetic dentistry,
Implant, pediatric dentistry and
orthodontics. Luxury design and
their dental experts will bring
you an extremely comfortable
experience.
57A Tran Quoc Thao, D3
and supreme quality, this dentistry
is truly dedicated to their patients.
17-17A Le Van Mien, D2
www.europeandentalclinic-asia.
com
German International Dentistry
German International Dentistry
offers excellent consultation
services from experienced,
international dentists so that you
can make informed decisions
about your dental care.
1489 Nguyen Van Linh, D7
Saigon Smile
European Dental Clinic
With a group of experienced
doctors and professional staff
trained to do teeth cleaning, dental
work and other teeth enhancing
procedures.
96 Tran Nao, D2
6674 4255
8am to 8pm
Offering state of the art
technology, competitive pricing,
Smile Dental Center
cleaning, and orthodontic
services. Japanese equipment and
techniques.
173 Ton Dat Tien, D7
Starlight Dental Clinic
Award-winning quality care and
personal service in clean premises,
offering general dentistry,
whitening and cosmetic surgery,
implants, orthodontics, pediatric,
and preventive dentistry.
2 Bis Cong Truong Quoc Te, D3
Westcoast International Dental
Clinic
Large, international team of
dentists and support staff from
Canada, Australia, Japan, France,
Italy, Thailand, and Vietnam. The
clinic regularly hosts visiting
dentists from many other
countries.
27 Nguyen Trung Truc, D1
3825 748
Quality dental care with whitening,
SPA
Maison Mikio Boutique Salon
Sweet Spa
Moc Huong Spa
District 7’s Premium Boutique Salon. Two floors
providing full beauty services nestled in a quiet
residential area in Phu My Hung’s Garden Plaza 2
Complex. Equipped with a café, nail bar, 2 VIP rooms,
and a spacious massage room - this boutique salon is
like no other in Ho Chi Minh City.
Garden Plaza 2 Complex
8 Ton Dat Tien, D7
5412 4773
The spa is intimate and beautifully
decorated. The staff consists
of both highly-skilled men and
women. Sweetspa serving you
from hand to toe to give real
spiritual and physical relaxation.
As well as sport injury therapies. After hours of
meetings or full days of working, treat yourself to a
relaxing massage or soothing reflexotherapy.
204B / 12 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, D2
www.sweetspa.vn
Moc Huong Spa is supported by top-ranking
professional physiotherapists who combine Eastern
with Western techniques resulting a full body wellness.
Reasonably priced with a wide
range of services that include
manicure, pedicure, facial, both
body and for your complete well
being.
9C Ton Duc Thang, D1
3911 7118
Villa Aesthetica Cosmedi Spa &
Laser Center
Nail Salon Cherir
Orient Skincare & Laser Center
One of HCMC’s finest newlyestablished spa and beauty centers,
Villa Aesthetica is the only venue in
Vietnam to offer premium-​class LPG
Endermologie treatments, erasing localized fat and
imperfections. Also known for their unique Turkish
Hammam massage.
54 Ngo Quang Huy, Thao Dien, D2
6264 3388 / Hotline: 090 969 2901
www.villaaesthetica.com
info@villaaesthetica.com
High - Quality Gel Nail
Cherir is Japanese Nail Salon
providing the world lastest design
under hygienic management.
Please experience our hi-end
Japanese gel nail nowhere else
but at Cherir in Vietnam. Polish gel package from
VND400.000.
20% OFF for new customers.
15B4 Le Thanh Ton St, D1
08 3822 3750
10:00~ 19:00 (Closed Tuesday)
Facebook: Cherir.hcm
Founded in 2005, Orient is currently known as the
leading center in laser treatment in Ho Chi Minh city.
The center offers non-surgery aesthetic treatments
by the certified dermatologists as well as pampering
services for any type of problem skin. A variety of
treatments includes: wrinkle removal, acne & scar
treatment, rejuvenation & pigment augmenting
treatment, slimming treatments, permanent hair
removal and massage therapy.
244A Cong Quynh, D1
3926 0561-62-63-64
Kids & Education
87
F E A T URE
Child’s Play
A world of adventure and fun awaits
Text by Michael Arnold Images by Ngoc Tran
Consider this: an entertainment park
for children that isn’t all about giddy rides
and distractions, but instead created to give
them a vision of themselves as they one day
will be – free city dwellers, independent
thinkers, members of a community, earners,
spenders, citizens engaged in their own
world. Wouldn’t that be a more edifying day
out than a circuit around the Ferris wheel
or a tumble down the water slide?
If you’ve ever wondered how to give your
children an experience that will gently and
playfully introduce them to the life they will
one day inherit, Vietopia’s concept may
well intrigue you. It’s a small-scale city for
children, built entirely indoors and designed
to provide a fantasy realm grounded in adult
88
realities – how to use money, work, be at
leisure, create art - and provide a service
to the community. Children visiting the
park wander independently as they please,
deciding for themselves what role to play,
whether they choose to learn, contribute, or
get creative. It’s one of those non-instinctive
ideas that actually makes perfect sense –
what better method is there to provide a fun,
stimulating environment in which kids can
follow their own interests and discover what
inspires them in a way that may unveil their
natural career paths and core interests?
It’s idealism, for sure – but when it comes
to children, there’s nothing wrong with
idealism, and Vietopia has it in spades. As
the name suggests, this is a Vietnamese
utopia, one in which everyone is gainfully
employed, individually centered, and
encouraged to take pride in their labors
and pastimes. It’s a version of Saigon
envisaged as a friendly neighborhood that
could have come straight off the set of
Sesame Street, all clean, wide boulevards set
about the central town landmark – a replica
of the HCMC Opera House with a real
theater inside.
Entering the complex is an experience
designed to stoke the imagination as
families make the transition from reality
to a children’s world: parents and their
kids check in together in the shadow of a
Turkish Airways airliner, passing customs as
if they’ve just stepped off the plane. They’ll
each receive a tracking bracelet, so that even
if the kids run off by themselves (something
you should encourage if they’re old enough,
as they’re more likely to benefit from it all if
they’re self-directed) you’ll know where they
are and where they’ve been – and they won’t
be allowed to leave the building without you.
A few comfortable restaurants are within 30
paces of the front door where parents can
pass their time on the free WiFi while the kids
explore.
The first consideration, just as it would
be in any new country on touchdown, is
money. The town bank lies just beyond the
gate, where credits from the entry ticket can
be exchanged for local currency – vido –
which can be spent (and earned) throughout
Vietopia. With cash on hand, kids can
become active members of the community,
following their interests and selecting
the activities most in line with their own
personalities.
Fond Memories
The majority of the installations at Vietopia
are storefronts, each sponsored by a realworld company hoping their presence in
the miniature city will help instill a sense
of fondness for their brand. Some offer
entertainment, which the children must
pay for out of their vido, but others offer
‘employment’ – the kids will put on uniforms,
assume roles to play - and are supervised as
they perform their jobs. Either way, it’s a lot
of fun: kids can earn money being camera
operators in a realistic TV studio, staff a
supermarket checkout, create packaging with
colorful stickers for a noodle factory, nurse
newborn babies at the hospital, or even man
a mission to the moon in a model spacecraft,
collecting samples from a surprisingly
realistic lunar landscape. One of the more
subtle lessons is that learning experiences
also cost money – Vietnamese kids shell
out for real English lessons from their own
pockets, while at other locales, children learn
art or other practical techniques. If the kids
spend their money wisely, they’ll leave with
some genuine knowledge to take away with
them.
Other activities are even more exciting.
One of the most popular includes working
in the fire station, where the kids slide down
a pole, cram into a fire truck, and are then
whisked to the other side of town where they
can douse a burning hotel with their hoses.
Those with a bent for discovery can explore
an ancient temple, digging for artifacts in the
main chamber. Whatever they choose, if they
earn enough vido, they’ll find themselves
swanning about the town, chauffeured by
the park’s sole Vinasun taxi – always
available for those who’ve been diligent
enough to afford it.
Part of the reason Vietopia exists is that
local education can be somewhat lacking in
inspiration - and it’s the hope of the park’s
organizers their ‘edutainment’ concept may
help to bridge the gap between the
skills taught in the classroom and those
capable of enriching children’s lives. The
challenge is their strategy works best
with kids who are prepared to explore
independently, something that international
school children will have less of an issue
with than those coming straight from the
national system. Those parents of children
falling into either category will see them get
the most from Vietopia by preparing them for
the experience and showing their support for
the choices made at the park – for kids who
overcome their inhibitions at Vietopia, it may
just be a life-changing experience.
Vietopia (www.vietopia.com.vn); 6264 1777 /
098 465 8975 / 093 587 8885; 2-4 Street 9, Khu do
thi Him Lam, Tan Hung, D7
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H IGHE R L E ARN I N G
EDUCATION Column
Sound it Out
Phonics is a way of teaching children to read
quickly and skillfully
How did you learn to read? For many
adults, chances are this is a difficult
question to try and answer. We all know
how we learnt to talk - we listened and we
copied - but we have few memories
of learning to read.
For most of us, we learnt to read
by looking at a set of letters, grouped
together in a particular order, and being
told the word by an adult. We learnt with
short words to begin with, gradually
growing in length. But when you think
about how many thousands of words
there are in the English language, this is a
very complex task to be asking of young
minds. Fortunately, there is an easier way.
For approximately the last 15 years,
many primary schools around the world
have reverted back to a teaching technique
called “phonics” or “letters and sounds” as
you might know it.
To describe this simply, this means
teaching children the sounds that each
individual letter, or combinations of
letters, make in a word, so that when
children see a word they don’t recognize
(which we ask of children all the time),
they can break the word up into smaller
chunks, as in “sh-i-p” - say each sound
individually, then blend the sounds
together to read the word as
a whole.
In total, there are 44 sounds in the
English language. We make each sound
by moving our mouth and tongue in a
different way. “But wait! There are only 26
letters in the alphabet. How can there be
44 sounds?” I hear you say.
At this point it is important to
understand that some sounds are
represented by more than one letter. Take
the word “fish” for example. While there
are four letters in the word, we only make
three sounds when we say the word. If
you try saying the word verrrrrry slowly,
you will notice that your mouth changes
shape three times. Once, to make the ‘fuh’
sound (by placing your top teeth on your
bottom lip); a wide, open-mouthed smiley
shape to make the short ‘i’ sound, and a
pursed lip shape to make the ‘shhhhh’
sound. That’s three.
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Try it with a different word, for example
“shout.”
You moved your mouth three times,
right? If not, check again.
If you’re sitting in a room with other
people right now, they’re probably
wondering if they’re sitting next to a crazy
person, but hopefully you’re starting to get
the idea.
This is a skill that children begin to learn
from the age of four and become very
proficient in by the age of six. By mastering
this knowledge and skill, children are able
to decode unknown words by themselves,
without adult support, meaning they can
read independently at a younger age than
they would otherwise.
If you have young children you’re
probably already quite familiar with the
idea, but never quite understood it. That’s
why at Saigon Star International School,
we run Letters and Sounds workshops for
parents, so that parents feel confident in
supporting their child at home with the
same techniques that are taught in school.
Brendan is a senior teacher at Saigon Star
International School. He moved to Vietnam 18
months ago, having previously taught at two awardwinning schools in the UK
Take the test – How many sounds are in
each word below? (Answers are at the end.)
1)
hat
2)car
3)
rash
4)
thin
5)
bring
6)
chair
7)
shower
8)
shark
9)
rainbow
10)
darkness
As children move through school, they
learn that sounds can also be represented by
various letter combinations. For example,
the long ‘ay’ sound can also be represented
by ‘ai’ in “brain” or ‘a_e’ in “cake.” The
other major benefit to teaching children
phonics is that children can use and apply
their knowledge and skills to become
independent writers at a much younger
ago too.
1) THREE 2) TWO 3) THREE 4) THREE
5) FOUR 6) TWO 7) THREE 8) THREE
9) FIVE 10) SIX
A R E YOU A M E M BER?
For more Vietnamese Wife, Western Husband Club cartoons, visit www.vwwhc.blogspot.com
91
The List
Education
international Schools
ABC International School (ABCIS)
APU International School
Inspected and judged an outstanding
school by British Government
Inspectors (October 2013), the ABCIS
is one of the few schools worldwide
awarded this Department for Education rating. Progress
of students puts the ABCIS among the top 8% of
schools in the world. Providing education for 2-18 year
olds in a supportive and friendly environment, it delivers
a culturally adapted version of the British National
Curriculum supported by Cambridge & AQA IGCSE and
AS/A levels. Students are prepared for Universities in
the UK, USA, Australia, Korea and Canada.
Enquiries and Admissions
Tel: 5431 1833/34/35/36
Email: office@theabcis.com
www.theabcis.com
APU International School offers
K-12 education based on American
curriculum to both foreign and
local students. APU has a record
of sending thousands of students
to top-ranking US and world universities. It is also
designated as a testing center by the College Board for
AP, SAT, and ACT exams.
Deutsche Schule Ho Chi Minh City
International German School
EUROPEAN International School
Ho Chi Minh City
Deutsche Schule (IGS) offers a
German curriculum from Early
Years to Grade 12 which is
approved and supported by the German government.
IGS is staffed by native German, Vietnamese and
English speakers who have many years of teaching
experience.
We offer a link between Vietnamese and German
culture, an international program with German
standards and the immersion of German
culture into everyday life.
12, Vo Truong Toan, An Phu
08 37 44 63 44
info@igs-hcmc.de
www.igs-hcmc.de
The EUROPEAN International School
Ho Chi Minh City is an IB World
School offering an academic and
supportive English language education
for students aged 2-18 years. EIS is committed to
educating students to become creative critical thinkers
and problem solvers. Students are immersed in a
multicultural learning environment which values
multilingualism. Language programmes at
EIS include Spanish, German, French
and Vietnamese.
730 Le Van Mien,
Thao Dien, District 2, HCMC
www.eishcmc.com
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APU Elementary School (501 Lac Long Quan D11)
APU Middle & High School (286 Lanh Binh Thang D11)
3962 4897 / 3962 4898
Hotline: 0939 886 286
www.apu.edu.vn
British International
School (BIS)
Inspected and approved
by the British Government,
BIS provides a British
style curriculum for an international student body
from pre-school to Year 13. The school is staffed
by British qualified and trained teachers with recent
UK experience. Fully accredited by the Council of
International Schools and a member of FOBISIA, BIS is
the largest international school in Vietnam.
An Phu Primary Campus
225 Nguyen Van Huong, D2
3744 4551
apprimary@bisvietnam.com
An Phu Secondary Campus
246 Nguyen Van Huong, D2
3744 2335
apsecondary@bisvietnam.com
Tu Xuong Primary Campus
43-45 Tu Xuong Street, D3
3932 0210
txprimary@bisvietnam.com
www.bisvietnam.com
The French International
School Saint Ange
Saint Ange welcomes children
for their Kindergarten and
Primary School. The school
follows the program of the
French Education Ministry,
and includes English lessons every day. Activities and
subjects such as arts, sports and school trips are also
an important part of their curriculum.
188A2, Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, D2, HCMC
0120 304 8875
saintange2.vn@gmail.com
www.sa-saigon.com
The International School Ho Chi Minh
City (ISHCMC)
International School Saigon
Pearl (ISSP)
Renaissance International
School Saigon
The most established international
school in HCMC and recently celebrating
20 years of success. ISHCMC is a fully
accredited IB World School, authorized to
teach all 3 programs of the International
Baccalaureate curriculum to students
aged 2 to 18 years. ISHCMC is fully
accredited by both the Council of International Schools
(CIS) and the New England Association of Schools
and Colleges (NEASC), two of the most prestigious
international accreditation organizations. ISHCMC
has over 1000 students from over 50
different nationalities.
International School Saigon
Pearl (ISSP) is an elementary
school catering for ages 18
months to 11 years. With 90% of our teachers having
master’s degrees, we are able to promise a vigorous
American curriculum whilst including specialist subjects
such as music, art, sport and the languages. ISSP
focuses on developing the whole child within a purpose
built campus.
92 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh
2222 7788 / 99
www.issp.edu.vn
Renaissance is an
International British School offering the National
Curriculum for England complemented by the
International Primary Curriculum (IPC), Cambridge
IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate. The school
has made a conscious decision to limit numbers and
keep class sizes small to ensure each pupil is offered
an education tailored to meet their individual learning
needs. It’s a family school providing first-class facilities
including a 350- seats theater, swimming pools,
mini-pool, drama rooms, gymnasium, IT labs, music
and drama rooms, science labs and an
all-weather pitch.
74 Nguyen Thi Thap, D7
3773 3171 ext 120/121/122
www.renaissance.edu.vn
28 Vo Truong Toan, D2
(08) 3898 9100
admissions@ishcmc.edu.vn
www.ishcmc.com
The American School
Saigon Star
International School
Saigon Star is a student
focused international school offering a high quality,
first class education. Specialising in the British
National Curriculum, all of the class teachers hold an
international teaching qualification. In our Early Years
programme, a Montessori specialist works closely
with the mainclass teachers to ensure a high rate of
progress and attainment. The school also provides
specialists for children requiring
additional ESL support.
Residential Area No.5,
Thanh My Loi Ward, D2
3742 STAR / 3742 7827
www.saigonstarschool.edu.vn
The American School (TAS)
is an international school that
has been granted candidacy
by the Western Association
of Schools and Colleges (WASC), representing 20
nationalities. TAS provides an American-based
curriculum with rigorous performance standards and
a variety of academic offerings including Advanced
Placement courses, university credit courses through
our partnership with Missouri State University, and an
Intensive ESL Program for English Language Learners.
177A, 172-180 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, D2
www.tas.edu.vn
08 3519 2223 / 0903 952 223
admission@tasvietnam.edu.vn
Also...
American International School
Australian International School (AIS)
Founded in 2006, American
International School (ΛIS) is a private,
coeducational, university-preparatory
school for students from preschool to
grade 12. The language of instruction
is English. The school offers standard
American curriculum with a complement
of performing arts, visual arts, music and
sport programs.
The Australian International School is
an IB World School with three world
class campuses in District 2, HCMC,
offering an international education from
kindergarten to senior school with the
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP),
Cambridge Secondary Programme
(including IGCSE) and IB Diploma
Programme (DP).
Xi Campus (Kindergarten)
Elementary School (102C Nguyen Van
Cu, D1)
Middle School (35 Nguyen Huu Canh,
Binh Thanh)
High School (781/C1-C2 Le Hong Phong,
D10)
190 Nguyen Van Huong, D2
Thao Dien Campus (Kindergarten &
Primary School)
APSC Compound
36 Thao Dien, D2
Thu Thiem Campus (Kindergarten, Primary,
Middle & Senior School)
East-West Highway, D2
3742 4040
www.aisvietnam.com
Schools of North America
Offers a dual curriculum - instructing
students in a Vietnamese program
directed by the Vietnam Ministry of
Education and Training (MOET) in
tandem with an American program
aligned with the State of California.
Students graduate after accumulating
248 credits which is equivalent to high
school graduates in the US.
Binh Chanh
402 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3
www.sna.edu.vn
Saigon South International School
Founded in 1997, Saigon South
International School seeks to
accommodate an increasing need
for American education for both local
residents and expatriate families.
SSIS enrolls over 850 students in
Early Childhood – Grade 12 from over
thirty-three countries in a spacious sixhectare, well-equipped campus.
78 Nguyen Duc Canh, D7
www.ssis.edu.vn
Street 5A, Trung Son Residential Quarter,
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Faces & Places
94
Bike for a Future
Lemongrass Takes Root
Simon Wilson has set off on a cycle ride from Vietnam
to France. The ride aims to raise awareness on climate
change. This marks a momentous occasion for the 350
Vietnam, the organisation leading this initiative, Simon
and the AIS student community who will be following the
cyclist throughout his travels.
Opened last month, Lemongrass (Ground Floor, The
Vista, 628C Hanoi Highway, D2) is a restaurant serving
traditional Thai cuisine with an interesting drink list
based on lemongrass.
Images by Neil Featherstone
Images Provided by Lemongrass
95
SAIGON SOUTH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
78 Nguyen Duc Canh Street, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
T: (84-8) 5 413 0901 - F: (84-8) 5 413 0902 - E: info@ssis.edu.vn - W: www.ssis.edu.vn
Success can be made in a move;
make yours.
• A culturally diverse student population of over 875 students from 35 countries
• 20% nationality caps to ensure diversity
• 1:1 Macbook program
• 70% of teachers have Masters degrees, 65% have 10+ years experience
• IB Diploma Program, highest average scores in Vietnam
• AP coursework and diploma options
• Co-Curricular trips within SE Asia
• 3 Libraries, 2 gymnasiums, 25m swimming pool and visual & performing arts rooms
• Student
center
• Large park-like campus
• Buses to Districts 1, 2, & 3
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See us at: www.ssis.edu.vn or call: (84 8) 5413-0901